QPR and Oxford United are among the sides keen on SV Wehen Wiesbaden ace Thijmen Goppel, as per Dutch news outlet Soccer News.
QPR and Oxford United will both be in the market for new signings when the January transfer window comes around.
Both the Rs and the Us are in fairly precarious positions in the fight against relegation from the Championship. Things are looking better for Marti Cifuentes’ side after going six unbeaten but at the Kassam Stadium, change is afoot.
They controversially sacked Des Buckingham at the weekend and are looking for a swift appointment as they look to arrest their slide down the Championship table.
New faces will be wanted in January and it seems QPR and Oxford United could battle for one player. A report from Dutch publication Soccer News has claimed 27-year-old wing-back Thijmen Goppel is a target for both Championship clubs.
The 27-year-old Dutchman has two goals and two assists in 14 games for German third-tier side SV Wehen Wiesbaden this season and his eye-catching performances are attracting interest with his contract expiring in 2025.
SC Verl, another side in Germany’s 3. Liga, are also keen and have made an offer for Goppel, it is said.
More on Goppel
Goppel’s career has been an interesting one, spent playing in both Germany and his native Holland. He has 40 appearances of Eredivisie experience to his name and has performed well in the competitive 2. Bundesliga before too, potentially allaying some concerns over whether he could manage Championship football with QPR or Oxford United.
Goppel mainly plays on the right as a wing-back or full-back but his versatility has seen him play in a variety of positions, including as a striker and on the left-wing.
Overall, he has nine goals and 16 assists to his name in Germany’s third-tier, registering three goals and four assists a league higher last season.
Winter reinforcements wanted
QPR will be keen to build on the momentum they’ve gained through their recent run by bolstering the ranks in the January transfer window. Cifuentes’ squad has been seriously stretched at times, so some new faces would not go amiss.
As for Oxford United their new boss, whoever it may be, will certainly be eager to make their mark on the squad at the Kassam Stadium.
It seems unlikely that the new manager will have a lot of money to spend, and January can be tricky to strike deals. However, there is business to be done, though it remains to be seen whether Goppel is among those recruited.