Reports have emerged that QPR defender Jimmy Dunne could be on his way out of Loftus Road, with Premier League-bound Sheffield United reportedly interested in securing his services.
On the face of it, that might seem like a tempting move for the player—but for Queens Park Rangers, allowing him to leave would be nothing short of madness.
In a season full of ups and downs, Dunne has been a consistent presence, a leader at the back and a growing threat in attack. His departure would not only weaken the team defensively but also send the wrong message about the club’s ambitions. Here’s why QPR would be utterly foolish to let him go.
He’s Just Earned an International Call-Up – and That Can Only Improve Him
Dunne’s recent call-up to the Republic of Ireland senior squad is a massive step in his career development.. After years of quietly going about his business in the Championship, he’s now being recognised at the highest level.
What does that mean for QPR? It means you’ve got a defender who is only going to get better. Playing against international opposition sharpens a player’s understanding of the game, builds confidence, and brings leadership qualities back to the club. To cash in now, just when Dunne is reaching new heights, would be a catastrophic misjudgement.
QPR Should Be Aiming Higher – And That Means Keeping Top Talent
Let’s not forget, QPR are still a big club in the context of the Championship. A historic London side with Premier League pedigree, they should be pushing for promotion, not selling off their best players to sides in the division above.
If the club truly harbours ambitions of a return to the top flight, then keeping players like Dunne is non-negotiable. He’s at the perfect age, entering his prime years, and he’s shown this season that he can be a linchpin in a defence that has at times struggled. Allowing him to leave would not only weaken the squad but signal to others—both inside and outside the dressing room—that QPR are more focused on survival than success.
He’s a Genuine Threat Going Forward
Modern football demands more from defenders than just defending—and Dunne is proving he’s got plenty to offer going the other way. With five goals and two assists this season, he’s shown himself to be a real asset on set pieces and in the final third.
In a league as tight and competitive as the Championship, goals from defenders can make the difference between a draw and a win, or survival and relegation. Dunne’s knack for getting on the scoresheet adds an extra dimension to QPR’s game—something that’s difficult to replace and even harder to teach.
Even the Pundits Are Singing His Praises
Sky Sports co-commentator and respected pundit Don Goodman has heaped praise on Dunne, calling this season “incredible” and noting his remarkable transformation into a goal-scoring threat from right-back.
“What an incredible season Jimmy Dunne is having. Five goals in his 38 starts this season,” Goodman told Football League World. “He’s only scored six goals in 118 previous starts, so whatever it was that he did during the summer has proved really popular.”
Goodman also touched on a vital point: Dunne’s future may hinge on whether QPR match his ambition. “It could be that Queens Park Rangers are ambitious and want to spend some money and invest in the summer, but certainly, if not, then Jimmy Dunne will have to weigh up the pros and cons of maybe staying or leaving.”
This should be the wake-up call QPR need. Losing a player of Dunne’s calibre because the club isn’t showing enough ambition would be an unforced error of the highest order.
Letting Dunne Go Would Be A Step Backwards
There are very few players who improve with every game, lead by example, and chip in with crucial goals—Jimmy Dunne is one of them. His recent international call-up, his attacking contributions, and the respect he commands from pundits and teammates alike make him indispensable.
Yes, every player has a price. But sometimes, the long-term value a player brings to a club outweighs any short-term financial gain. Selling Dunne now would only serve to strengthen a rival and weaken QPR’s prospects.
If the club is serious about climbing back to the Premier League, it must build around its best players—not sell them off to the first bidder. Jimmy Dunne is a cornerstone QPR can’t afford to lose. Letting him go now would be not just a mistake—but a madness.
