Queens Park Rangers capture Ghana defender Tariq Lamptey on free transfer

English Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers have secured the signing of Ghana international Tariq Lamptey ahead of the upcoming football campaign.

The former Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion full-back joins the Championship club as a free agent after parting ways with Italian side Fiorentina, following an unsuccessful spell.

Lamptey and Fiorentina mutually parted ways in May, bringing an abrupt end to a disastrous chapter that saw the Ghanaian defender play just 25 minutes for the club.

The 25-year-old full-back arrived in Florence last summer from Brighton, signing a three-year deal. Hopes were high for the former Chelsea prodigy, but injury setbacks ruined his spell in Italy.

Ahead of the new campaign, the Black Stars defender has swiftly secured a move, joining Queens Park Rangers, who are keen on making a meaningful impact next season.

Despite receiving several offers, Lamptey opted to join the Championship club as preparations intensify for the new season.

Born locally in Hillingdon, Lamptey came through the ranks at Chelsea, making his Premier League debut against Arsenal in 2019 before joining fellow top-flight side Brighton & Hove Albion in 2020.

He made more than 120 appearances for the Seagulls before his switch to Italy 12 months ago.

Lamptey – who represented Ghana at the 2022 World Cup and has 11 senior caps to date – is determined to rediscover the form that made him such a hot property during his time on the south coast.