Kwame Poku was at the center of Birmingham City’s transfer rumors throughout May and June, only to shock Blues fans by signing with their Championship rivals, Queens Park Rangers.
Birmingham City seemed poised to secure Poku’s signature, having monitored the winger over multiple transfer windows and cultivated strong relationships with Peterborough United’s influential figures, Darragh MacAnthony and Barry Fry.
However, Poku and his agent delayed their decision, frustrating Birmingham’s hierarchy. By mid-June, reports surfaced that Birmingham City had moved on from the pursuit and shifted focus elsewhere.
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Just two weeks later, the left-footed right-winger—who had featured prominently in Birmingham’s tactical plans under manager Chris Davies—committed to QPR. The winger’s arrival followed on the heels of Patrick Roberts’ deadline day signing, marking a significant recruitment drive for the Hoops.
While many new Birmingham signings have spoken about the club’s ambitious “Project,” Poku was swayed by the appeal of London and the promise of QPR’s own vision for the future. Upon signing, he said, “I feel like the project they’re building here excites me and I want to be part of taking QPR to that next level.”
QPR’s recent form has been inconsistent, finishing 15th, 18th, and 20th in the Championship over the past three seasons. This term, they sit 16th after 15 games, struggling for steady results.
Poku’s campaign has been hampered by injury. After suffering a hamstring injury on the opening day, he was sidelined for nearly three months. His brief return in early November during QPR’s 4-1 loss to Ipswich Town was curtailed by another injury in training, ruling him out of subsequent fixtures against Southampton, Sheffield United, Hull City, and Blackburn Rovers.
Although back in the squad, Poku has yet to establish himself, seeing only bench time during defeats and victories alike, such as the 3-1 loss to Norwich and 3-1 win over West Bromwich Albion.
Questions remain at Birmingham City about Poku’s progress at QPR now that their transfer pursuit has concluded, and the winger’s ability to make an impact for the Hoops as he returns to fitness will be closely watched.