QPR: Jimmy Dunne, Sheffield United decision makes sense but regrets may soon emerge | OneFootball

Jimmy Dunne's contract is running down at Loftus Road and they could lose him for free.

Sheffield United were desperate to secure one final defensive addition before the transfer window closed but ultimately had to settle for a loan move for Rob Holding after hitting a road block in their pursuit of Queens Park Rangers' Jimmy Dunne.

Dunne has been a key figure at the heart of QPR’s defence since arriving from Burnley in 2021 and has thrived under Marti Cifuentes this season.

The 27-year-old has made 30 appearances in the Championship this term and has played a crucial role in the R's resurgence since November, albeit in a right-back role that was somewhat unfamiliar to the Irishman before this season.

However, with just six months remaining on his current contract, have the Hoops made a mistake by refusing to cash in? Or is it a logical decision to retain him for the remainder of the campaign?

QPR snubbed Sheffield United advances for Jimmy Dunne in January window

Football League World exclusively revealed just over a week before the January deadline that Sheffield United were plotting a move to bring Dunne to Bramall Lane, which was little surprise given his brilliance this year and the short time he had remaining on his current contract.

Unfortunately, for the Blades, it quickly became apparent that it was going to be difficult to secure a deal, with a £3 million price tag being placed on the defender's head.

Under normal circumstances, this would be considered a fair price, but with Chris Wilder able to sign him for free in just six months, it was seemingly illogical to pursue the deal any further.

In the short-term, United pulling out of negotiations for Dunne was ideal for QPR, who have seen the defender nail down the right-back role this season.

Arguably, Dunne has been their most critical player this campaign, with his presence in the air crucial for their set-piece threat and his defensive nous increasingly important in the other box.

If they are to challenge for a play-off spot, QPR are going to need him at his best, and the Hoops' CEO, Christian Nourry, has assured fans the 27-year-old is fully committed to aiding the club for the rest of the campaign - even though his future still remains up in the air.

QPR cashing in on Jimmy Dunne could've made more sense business-wise

While losing one of your best players is never ideal, sometimes you have to apply a business mindset to football.

For QPR, it would have been devastating for Dunne to leave in the January window, but if he departs in the summer on a free transfer, it will be even worse.

The £3 million price tag was realistically never going to be met and if they had lowered it slightly, the Blades may have been more forthcoming.

Given his form and the knowledge that his contract is set to expire, with United's interest being public now added on, Dunne will now be aware of interest from bigger clubs, which could influence his decision on whether to sign a new contract at Loftus Road, should an offer come his way.

His current progression would say he is not far off being Premier League ready and at 27 yeasr of age, he is approaching the point of his career where he may only get one opportunity to make the jump in his prime.

Nourry may be hoping for the rare possibility that QPR secures promotion, which could influence Dunne’s decision. However, given the club's current standing, this seems unlikely.