Exclusive: West Brom backed to seal QPR striker deal – key trait should fill Baggies with confidence
Lee Hendrie believes that QPR striker Charlie Kelman could be a great fit for West Brom next season.
It was reported by journalist Darren Witcoop that the Baggies are one of the clubs eyeing a move for the forward this summer.
The 23-year-old has been with QPR since 2020, and spent last year out on loan with League One side Leyton Orient.
| Charlie Kelman – Leyton Orient league goals and appearances (per Fbref.com) | ||||
| Season | Appearances (Starts) | Goals (Assists) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 46 (37) | 21 (5) | ||
During his time in the third tier, he contributed 21 goals and five assists from 46 appearances in the regular campaign, with Richie Wellens’ side narrowly missing out on promotion to the Championship with a play-off final defeat to Charlton Athletic.
Lee Hendrie makes West Brom, Charlie Kelman transfer claim
Hendrie believes that striker has been an area where West Brom have struggled in recent years, with the team lacking someone who can consistently score double figures every year.
However, he’s claimed that Kelman has the desire to improve, which could make him a strong option for the team to sign this summer.
“Charlie Kelman had a brilliant season last season, and I think that West Brom — I’ve said this time after time — that’s an area that they’ve really struggled,” Hendrie exclusively told Football League World.
“They’ve found it hard to find a fit for a centre-forward that’s going to come in and really fit the bill, score double figures.
“He’s got bags of potential, and I think the one thing I do like about him watching him last season is I think he’s got that hunger and desire to prove that he’s worthy of being a very, very good striker.
“I think having that full season where he was excellent, scored a lot of goals.
“You do think that’s why the top end of the Championship will be looking at him, that’s for sure.”
West Brom will get their new season underway with a home clash against Blackburn Rovers on 9 August, with Ryan Mason set to oversee his first competitive game in charge at the Hawthorns.
Kelman signing could be smart business for West Brom
West Brom obviously have Josh Maja and Daryl Dike, but both have had injury issues and are also heading into the last year of their contracts.
So adding a third option to play up front this summer could be exactly what the Baggies need, and Kelman has the potential to be a smart option for them.
He is still only 23, and has room to develop as a player, which is why becoming a secondary option for this season could work out.
It will depend on whether QPR are open to a sale of course, but his performances in League One last year showed he is now ready to make the step up to the Championship.
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