Following the success of Raphinha, Doue, and Camavinga, these QPR players might flourish under Julien Stephan.

Julien Stephan was appointed manager of QPR earlier this summer, and the Frenchman has already shown one notable trait.
QPR suffered a blow from Marti Cifuentes, who was initially placed on gardening leave before formally resigning earlier this week. The Spaniard is now the coach of Championship rival Leicester City.

However, the R’s moved on far faster than the Foxes did. After other managers were linked to the role, Julien Stephan was hired in June and has since jumped right into the planning for the 2025–2026 campaign.

His ability to transform rookies into first-team stars is arguably Stephan’s most enticing trait, but the Hoops’ choice to hire him was also heavily influenced by his background and tactical flexibility.

Stephan is not solely responsible, but QPR will be hoping the 44-year-old can duplicate his previous achievements. The young department must recognize and develop academy potential, and the leadership must provide him with these talented additions.

Julien Stephan developed before whom?
Before entering senior management, Stephan worked as a youth coach in a number of capacities. Prior to managing their main team twice, he was the manager of the Stade Rennais U19s and B-team.

The QPR boss had a lot of success here as young players developed and helped the team qualify for the Champions League and won the Coupe de France.

Stephan worked there with Raphinha, now a Barcelona star, prior to relocating to Leeds United. Desire Doue, a PSG sensation, also made his debut with the Stade Rennais first team during his second visit.

Eduardo Camavinga, however, is Stephan’s greatest asset. The Real Madrid midfielder, who played in the academy under Stephan and made his debut in the first team under the current R’s manager, was among his country’s best young players at the time, even though he might not have been as good as Raphinha or Doue to win the Ballon d’Or.

Other players Stephan trained at a young age include Belgian internationals Jeremy Doku and Arthur Theate, as well as Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr. He also trained Ousmane Dembele at the Stade Rennais academy. But before Stephan was tasked with leading the first team, the PSG player made his breakthrough and continued without incident.

Who might become a QPR star under Stephan?
This is not to suggest that these Hoops prospects are superior to some of the players who were previously mentioned when they were just starting to gain traction. Yet under Stephan, these are high-ceilinged people with the capacity to thrive and accomplish more.

Perhaps the most fascinating QPR possibility is Rayan Kolli, an attacker who is pleading for more chances to become a real first-team star. As a striker and winger, he has garnered attention. He scored five goals and provided three assists last season, averaging a goal every 117 minutes.

Under Stephan, 19-year-old midfielder Kieran Morgan, who joined from Spurs last summer and entered the starting lineup, will be hoping for a lot of playing time. Harvey Vale, who was signed in the winter and is now healthy, is another midfield player to keep an eye on.

Although injuries marred Karamoko Dembele’s rookie season, Stephan will be excited to work with the 22-year-old who has long been predicted to have a bright future. Despite becoming a year older at 23, Kwame Poku is a statement arrival for QPR and has the potential to grow into a very important asset.

With Stephan’s assistance, Liam Morrison will be keen to establish himself as a crucial player farther back.

As he rises through the academy ranks, Emmerson Sutton might be considered for a senior role in the following seasons.