QPR look to not regret missed Sunderland and Bristol City transfers as Julien Stephan praises 8/10 star

By Gbam Godwin Last updated Feb 8, 2026

QPR look to not regret missed Sunderland and Bristol City transfers as Julien Stephan praises 8/10 star.

After Joe Walsh returned from injury, QPR head coach Julien Stephan described it as a’second season’ for him.

QPR were believed to be looking for a new custodian last month, with head coach Julien Stephan rotating between three different shot-stoppers this season at Loftus Road.

The R’s head coach started Joe Walsh in goal, but the 23-year-old fractured his wrist and was replaced by Paul Nardi. The Frenchman recaptured the number one spot he held last season, although he now shares game time in the Championship with veteran Ben Hamer.

It’s unusual for a club to use three goalkeepers in a season, and it spurred January transfer speculation about shot-stoppers who could step in and be the uncontested number one. Sunderland star Anthony Patterson has been connected with a move to Loftus Road, as he struggles for game time at the Stadium of Light. Former Bristol City player Max O’Leary is also mentioned.

QPR linked with Sunderland and West Brom transfers in January

Patterson ended up joining Millwall on loan, while O’Leary signed for West Brom. Those appeared to be blows for QPR, but perhaps the club already had a man ready to fully occupy the starting spot.

Walsh has started the last six matches for the squad since returning from injury, and he has helped the team keep three clean sheets in their previous three away games. Stephan praised the custodian following Friday night’s 0-0 draw with Charlton Athletic.

Walsh received an 8/10 rating from West London Sport for his performance during that game. The source stated, “Continues to impress. Made several stops, including one at point-blank range to deny Conor Coady.

Joe Walsh is commended for his performance against Charlton Athletic

Stephan said: “It’s a young custodian; this is his first season in the Championship, and when you give a rookie custodian a chance, you have to realise that there will be a process at first; it won’t be top, top, top right away.

“He had a severe injury, and this is a second chance for him – like a second season – and since he returned, he’s had some very excellent performances, which is fantastic for his confidence and demonstrates that he possesses good qualities. We still remember that he is 23 years old and this is his first season in the Championship.”

Failure to sign a custodian in January may help QPR if Walsh improves his game. After the game at The Valley, Walsh reflected on his season: “At the start of the season, it was a bit rocky, through pre-season, but the best thing to happen to me was probably breaking my wrist earlier on.” It provided me a mental break; there were some areas I could improve on, and during the block of training going up to the West Ham game, I had a couple of Dev Squad games, which was quite beneficial.

“I believe that as a squad and back four, we are developing and solidifying. Coming away from home and being difficult to beat can be quite beneficial; if you can’t win, don’t lose. That is where we are at the moment.

In other news, QPR, Millwall, and Charlton Athletic all received significant boosts when Championship clubs were penalised with points deductions.