January Transfer Rumours

[Undecided]

Can't we just sign him on a low wage contract to play in the development team whilst he builds his fitness? Then, if he proves himself, have a proviso that he is considered for the first team with suitable appearance money? And a full contract next season?

Is that imaginative or just wishful thinking?

[QPROslo]

Not playing much football is an issue. However, he's been playing for Antwerps B team according to an article I read. Frey would have been banking on a move this month and getting in the best possible shape for that to happen.

I am glad to learn that he has played for the B team. If not fully match fit, it gives him a better chance to hit the ground running.

[Shania]

I read he fell out with Antwerps coach, so not really concerned about his attitude. It happens all over the world these days. Given his record at Antwerp, I think he had every right to get the hump with whatever has gone on?

Not playing much football is an issue. However, he's been playing for Antwerps B team according to an article I read. Frey would have been banking on a move this month and getting in the best possible shape for that to happen.

We're in desperate need for a goalscorer and he needs to restart his career and potentially put himself in the shop window. If he can come here and score 10 goals and keep us up and bag himself a decent move elsewhere then I'm more than happy.

The lad was playing and scoring in the Europa Conference League last season, he'd be a great signing for us.

This! We have to realize that we are not any professional football player`s dream destination atm - Beggars can't be choosers, mind.

[SheepRanger]

I think I read that we were in direct discussions with him. Im sure we have emphasized to him the situation we're in and the need for focused players.

From his perspective if we sign him to the end of the season he has an opportunity to put himself in the shop window to get a bigger club and contract in England in the summer. Im sure he'll do his absolute best for us evrm if its for his own selfish reasons.

With Dykes and Armstrong fit we've got a little wiggle room on his fitness.

If he signs we'll look at him closely over the remainder of the season to see his character and work ethic. If we want someone with guaranteed fitness and goals they cost big money which we dont have. We have, and will continue, to shop in the bargain bucket and roll the dice.

[Mattyqpr]

I read he fell out with Antwerps coach, so not really concerned about his attitude. It happens all over the world these days. Given his record at Antwerp, I think he had every right to get the hump with whatever has gone on?

Not playing much football is an issue. However, he's been playing for Antwerps B team according to an article I read. Frey would have been banking on a move this month and getting in the best possible shape for that to happen.

We're in desperate need for a goalscorer and he needs to restart his career and potentially put himself in the shop window. If he can come here and score 10 goals and keep us up and bag himself a decent move elsewhere then I'm more than happy.

The lad was playing and scoring in the Europa Conference League last season, he'd be a great signing for us.

[QPROslo]

Michael Frey in a nutshell - 10 facts:

1. Scored 0 - zero - goals in the calendar year of 2023
2. Hasn't played a competitive match since 14 May 2023
3. Went on strike in December 2022 to force a loan deal with Schalke 04 (where he was supposed to replace the injured Sebastian Polter - heard about him before?)
4. Upon returning to Royal Antwerp after his unsuccessful loan spell was prematurely cancelled by Schalke 04 upon their relegation, was not given a squad number at Royal Antwerp and has been frozen out since last summer. Probably not training with the team. Certainly not match fit and will take him some time to get up to speed.
5. Considered a bad egg - attitude issues
6. Journeyman - played in five countries.
7. Soon 30, so limited resale value.
8. But: Prior to December 2022 he has been a very regular scorer on levels comparable to the Championship.
9. No transfer fee involved as he made a mutual agreement with Antwerp earlier this month to cancel the contract. They have probably paid him up to get rid, like we did with Stefan.
10. Negotiation made easier by the fact he is a free agent.

This is a risky signing. I don't like the attitude issues. It is appalling to see players go on strike, refusing to play, to force through transfers. It is enough with one Taylor Richards (assuming it is attitude issues involved) - we don't need two. Moreover, it is a serious concern that he is probably far from match fit and might need a few matches for the Development Team to regain match fitness. Ideally, we need players that can contribute right away.

One advantage with Michael Frey might be the "need for creative solutions" that Marti has referred to, to find room inside present tight FFP boundaries. As he is not match fit, and has recently been paid up to leave Antwerp, he might agree to a very modest salary for the remainder of the season, and a better one for the rest of his contract period. This is a way to get onboard a player without compromising FFP this season.

If he can rediscover his mojo, Frey can go on to become a great signing, but this is certainly high risk.

[LoftusRoadLad]

Not sure, he's actually on loan at the moment toSchalke - so not sure how that works.

https://www.sport.ch/antwerpen-royal...erein-gefunden

anyone read this?

Google Translate

He is likely to move to England
Michi Frey has apparently found a new club

Accordingly, the Queens Park Rangers from the Championship are said to have secured the Bernese's services. The English urgently need reinforcements as they only finish 22nd in the championship. Michi Frey should do his part to ensure that Queens Park Rangers do not get relegated.

This season, the Münsinger was not allowed to play a single second for Royal Antwerp as he was discarded by coach Mark van Bommel. Will the Bernese find happiness again at QPR?

[WeAreQPR12]

Disagree and Matty is spot on. We also have fox who is pretty reliable. Dunne and Kakay have been our worst players this season so I'd be delighted if we could get shot of both. Dunne is a donkey and is a liability.

[3London]

Cook and JCS are so injury prone we need Dunne

can you imagine a centre back pairing of kakay and Larkeche? Scary!

[Mattyqpr]

Can see Dunne going if it means we can bring in an attacking player. We need goals to stay up, simple as that. Getting Jimmy off the wage bill creates a lot more wriggle room in terms of a loan move for someone else.

Got Cook, JCS, Fox as centre backs. Kakay, Larkeche, Paal and Field can all play in that position as well.

[shaggy24]

Id let Dunne go I don't think he's what MC is after in a CB he's a bit more robust that JCS and Cook

If he's let go id say we need a replacement unless we use Field and keep the £ free for ffp

[FurtiveFox]

Blackburn linked with Dunne. Personally think that unless fee involved which would enable us to sign a replacement should say no. We need four first team CBs what with Cook and JCS injury record. Also Blackburn are a club that could be sucked into relegation scrap. Different to Dozzell going to Birmingham as once Mowbray appointed he was always going to take them back up the league a bit.

[scaz_QPR]

Translated.

Michael Frey no longer plays a role at his club Royal Antwerp and now it looks as if the 29-year-old could finally leave the Belgians. According to KMedia, the striker will move to England.
Michi Frey will bounce back in England! The 29-year-old Swiss striker is expected to sign for Queens Park Rangers (22nd in the Championship) in the near future. The former Young Boys player will discover his 6th championship.

[scaz_QPR]

Not sure, he's actually on loan at the moment toSchalke - so not sure how that works.

https://www.sport.ch/antwerpen-royal...erein-gefunden

anyone read this?

[djp]

yeah, Swiss press saying its a done deal...

Can't see anywhere that he has played a game this season. Last season 7 in 14 for Antwerp but 0 in 15 for Schalke 04 but that was in Bundesliga. No stats from this season and not on Royal Antwerp squad list on their website