According to reports, Queens Park Rangers are in advanced talks to sign Senegalese forward Pape Meïssa Ba from Schalke 04. The 28-year-old only joined the German side in the January transfer window and made just 13 appearances during his short spell in Gelsenkirchen. He now looks set for a move to West London, with QPR likely drawn to his prolific form at Grenoble Foot 38 last season, where he was one of Ligue 2’s standout attacking performers.
🚨EXCL: 🔵⚪️🇸🇳 #Championship |
— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) July 22, 2025
🔐 Pape Meïssa Ba is close to join QPR on permanent deal
W @sebnonda https://t.co/jLpQpg333T pic.twitter.com/3pXHnX7lhN
His Role
Should the deal go through, Ba would offer QPR a physical, experienced option through the middle — a traditional number nine with a strong presence in the box and a proven eye for goal. His time at Grenoble, where he scored consistently and led the line with authority, showcased his ability to operate as both a focal point and a finisher. For a QPR side that struggled for cutting edge in the final third last season, Ba could provide the kind of direct, clinical forward play needed to compete in the Championship.
Ba’s versatility could also give QPR the option to switch systems more fluidly. Whether in a 4-4-2 alongside Frey, Celar or Kolli. Or as the lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 with the likes of Chair, Dembele, Poku etc operating just behind him, Ba’s presence would allow Julian Stephen to tailor the attack based on the opposition. His physical strength and ability to pin defenders could prove especially useful against low blocks — something QPR struggled to break down at times last season. With a mix of profiles now available up front, QPR would be far less predictable, and far more dangerous.
Kelman?
Despite being League One’s top scorer, QPR’s willingness to entertain offers for Charlie Kelman reflects a pragmatic approach to squad management. While Kelman’s goal tally demonstrated his potential at that level, the club reportedly have reservations about whether his style and development fit the Championship’s demands and QPR’s long-term ambitions. Additionally, the financial benefits of a transfer could free up resources to invest in a more experienced striker. Ba, by contrast, arrives with a far more proven goal-scoring pedigree and a clearer identity as a central striker. At 28, he’s entering the peak years of his career, and his experience across both French and German football suggests he’s equipped to carry greater responsibility — something QPR’s forward line has often lacked in recent seasons.
Goals In Front Of The Loft?
The key question: Can Ba transition that Ligue 2 form into Championship goals? The physical intensity and tactical nuance differ, but so does the opportunity: regular league starts, media attention, and pressure to deliver results.
If Ba can replicate even half of his scoring output, QPR will have gained a leading forward at modest cost and low risk. And for Ba, success would validate years of steady development and offer a chance to shine in English football.
