Former EFL star David Prutton has told Football League World that Queens Park Rangers should stall any decision on Charlie Kelman after his breakout season at Leyton Orient.
Kelman, 23, is enjoying the best campaign of his senior career to date, having netted 18 goals and registered four assists during a productive loan spell at League One play-off contenders Leyton Orient.
However, his parent club QPR are yet to confirm their intentions for the striker, who has spent most of his time at Loftus Road out on loan since arriving from Southend United as a teenager.
Pundit Weighs In On Kelman’s Future
Despite Kelman’s standout form, Prutton believes caution is required before rushing the American-born striker into QPR’s first-team plans under Marti Cifuentes.
“Kelman’s an intriguing one as he’s been around the EFL for a while now and it’s only really been this season that he’s started to take off. You get that with strikers sometimes though.
“You’ve got to wait and see whether this purple patch can be sustainable, but of course, given his goalscoring exploits at Leyton Orient, QPR fans will be wondering what happens next. I think you could throw him in next season, maybe give him half a season to see what he’s like and show what ability he can bring in a hoops shirt. He has potential, but a bit of patience will be needed for what they’ve seen so far.”
Kelman’s contract situation remains unclear, with QPR yet to disclose the duration of the new deal he signed last year. What is clear is that he will likely seek stability if the club do not intend to integrate him into their plans, having already completed five separate loan spells in the EFL.
QPR Opinion
Cifuentes recently acknowledged the forward’s progress during his time away from the club but stopped short of committing to a decision on his future.
“When we send any player on loan the main target is that they can play, can develop and progress. That’s the case with him and it’s not just about the goals but the level of his performances has been very good. Hopefully he will finish the season very strongly, and we will decide what’s the next step with him.”
With QPR aiming to push forward under Cifuentes’ leadership, the question remains whether Kelman has done enough to earn a regular spot in West London, or if another move—possibly permanent—could better serve his career trajectory.
Writer’s View
Charlie Kelman’s breakthrough season at Leyton Orient has come at a critical point in his development. At 23, the time for loan spells is running thin. QPR must either commit to him with a meaningful role next season or allow him to settle permanently elsewhere. His form this term shows he’s ready for that next step—but whether it’s in a Hoops shirt remains to be seen.
