QPR: Gareth Ainsworth's final signing surely faces an uncertain future at Loftus Road - View | OneFootball

Marti Cifuentes is now getting the best out of Queens Park Rangers.

The R’s started off the season with Gareth Ainsworth in charge, but he was sacked at the end of October after losing his final six league games.

He was swiftly replaced by Cifuentes, who joined from Swedish side Hammarby.

The Spaniard has brought a new lease of life to this QPR side since his arrival, and has managed to drag them out of the relegation zone.

They are currently sitting in 19th place, and are just one point clear of the drop zone.

Cifuentes inherited a poor squad in comparison to the rest of the division from Ainsworth, who made several signings in the summer.

His final signing as QPR boss came in Reggie Cannon, but he could be looking for a move away sooner than expected.

Cannon signing looked a shrewd addition at QPR

Cannon is a 25-year-old right back, and an American international.

Also able to play centre-back, Cannon started his career back in his home nation with FC Dallas in the MLS. He then made the move to Europe with Boavista in September 2020, joining them in the Portuguese top flight for a reported fee of $2 million.

After spending three seasons in Portugal, Cannon would have his contract unilaterally terminated in June 2023, after claiming he had not been paid. Having spent the summer as a free agent, he would not get a move until the month after the transfer window closed.

Ainsworth would manage to convince Cannon to join QPR on a four-year-deal, claiming that they fought off other clubs to secure his signature.

Unfortunately, as aforementioned, Ainsworth would only get just over a month to work with Cannon before his departure.

Dunne’s performances cast doubt over Cannon’s future

Since his debut towards the end of October, Cannon had been a regular at right back under Cifuentes.

He has struggled recently, showing little threat going forward, something which is key for a full back in the modern game.

His defensive numbers also don’t catch the eye either.

In the last four games, Cannon has been dropped in place of Jimmy Dunne - a centre back. Dunne has done exceptionally well in his new position, and the team’s results have shown this, dropping just two points in the four games he has been at right back.

Cifuentes has spoken about his decision to play Dunne in an unnatural position, saying: "Reggie had been playing at a good level, but he got sick (before the Bristol City game) and we had to find a solution.

"We thought that the way Jimmy was training, the confidence that he gives us every day in the way he performs and how competitive he is, we thought he could adapt well (to playing right back)."

Dunne has done exceptionally well in his new position, and the team’s results have shown this, dropping just two points in the four games he has been at right back.

As for Cannon, this is not good news. With QPR’s upturn in form in a tight relegation battle, it is hard to see Cannon getting into the team anytime soon.

With Cifuentes preferring Dunne over him, and also having Osman Kakay as competition too, questions will be asked about his future at Loftus Road.

You have to think it would not be a surprise if he wanted a summer move if this continues.