Queens Park Rangers are in the final stages of completing a deal for Tylon Smith, with the defender undergoing a medical on Friday.
The West London side have had a big summer following the move on permanently from Marti Cifuentes, having appointed French manager Julien Stephan last month. There have been some big-name signings arriving at Loftus Road, with Kwame Poku’s arrival from Peterborough United being the most publicised transfer.
R’s Close In On Youth International
According to South African outlet iDiski Times, QPR have agreed a deal with Stellenbosch FC for their 20-year-old defender Tylon Smith from the South African Premier Soccer League and will head to the UK for a medical. The Maroons finished third in the top flight behind continental juggernauts Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, but Smith is yet to make his debut for their senior side.
The defender has emerged on the international stage however, being named the Player of the Tournament in the Under-20 African Cup of Nations, which South Africa won by beating Morocco in the final. He played in the middle of the defence during the final, and lasted the full duration of the match.
QPR have recruited just one centre-back this summer, with the signing of Amadou Mbengue from Reading on a free transfer after his contract in Berkshire expired.
Writers’ View
Clubs are always looking to invest in young talents so this will be a promising move for Queens Park Rangers. To pick up the player of the tournament in a youth AFCON tournament is a very ambitious move and Tylon Smith will be eager to prove himself in a competitive league like the Championship. Having no experience in senior football likely means he won’t be considered by Julien Stephan immediately, and could see a loan to either League One or League Two this summer.
