Queens Park Rangers have pulled off a significant transfer coup with the acquisition of highly-rated striker Ibrahim Kone, while simultaneously confirming the departure of young forward Martiell Taylor-Crossdale to Charlton Athletic.
New Striking Talent Arrives at Loftus Road
The West London club have secured the services of 21-year-old Ivorian prospect Ibrahim Kone, who joins from Lebanese side Al-Ahed. The young striker has put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half-year deal that will keep him at Loftus Road until the summer of 2027.
Kone arrives with an impressive pedigree, having recently featured for the Ivory Coast national team and being tipped for inclusion in their squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His signing represents a strategic move by QPR to bolster their attacking options with emerging talent.
Departure Confirmed After Loan Spell
In a separate development, the club has confirmed the permanent departure of 24-year-old forward Martiell Taylor-Crossdale, who has joined League One side Charlton Athletic. The move comes after his successful loan spell at AFC Fylde, where he impressed with nine goals in 25 appearances.
Taylor-Crossdale's exit follows QPR's decision not to extend his contract, which was set to expire this summer. The former Chelsea academy product never quite managed to break into the first team at Loftus Road, making the move to Charlton an opportunity for regular football.
What This Means for QPR
The acquisition of Kone signals QPR's ambition to build for the future while addressing their immediate needs in the Championship. The young Ivorian's potential inclusion in the AFCON tournament next year could see him miss some club fixtures, but his long-term prospects make him an exciting addition.
Meanwhile, Taylor-Crossdale's departure continues QPR's strategy of streamlining their squad and moving on players who aren't in their immediate plans. The transfer fee remains undisclosed, but the move represents good business for a player whose contract was nearing its end.
These moves come as QPR manager Martí Cifuentes continues to reshape his squad ahead of the Championship run-in, balancing immediate needs with long-term planning in one of football's most competitive leagues.
