Paul Nardi joins QPR after leaving Belgian side Gent, Asmir Begović departs

Goalkeeper Paul Nardi has signed with Queens Park Rangers following the expiry of his contract with Belgian top-flight side Gent. The 30-year-old French stopper joins QPR as Asmir Begović departs the club at the end of his contract.

Nardi began his career in France with Nancy before moving to Monaco in 2014. He enjoyed loan spells with Stade Rennais and Cercle Brugge before completing a permanent switch to Lorient in 2019.

After three years at Lorient, which included promotion to Ligue 1 in his first season, Nardi moved to Gent.

“I am really excited to discover this new club, this big club,” Nardi said. “I have followed a lot of the Premier League and the Championship since I was young so when I heard QPR had a big interest in me, it was an easy choice for me.”

Nardi, a former France Under-21 international, believes he has made significant strides in recent seasons. “In the last three or four years I feel my goalkeeping is the best it has been. But now moving to a new division, I have to work a lot every day to be the best,” he explained.

Nardi, who made seven appearances in the Europa Conference League during his time with Gent, is also looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Loftus Road. “I am so excited to discover Loftus Road. I will do my best in my new shirt,” he added.

Head coach Martí Cifuentes praised Nardi's abilities and experience. “Paul is a 'keeper who is at a very good age in terms of the ability to develop while already performing at a very high level. He has already accumulated big experience in two important leagues in Belgium and France. He showed a big desire to join us and we hope he can contribute with his quality to the way we want to play.”

Cifuentes is confident Nardi will fit well with QPR's style of football. “He is an attack-minded 'keeper. He tends to play high up the pitch so he can help us to cover a high defensive line if needed because he is aggressive in his positioning. He can also help the team in our build-up, so hopefully this will help us to become a better team.”

Nardi's signing comes as QPR bids farewell to Asmir Begović, whose contract expires at the end of this month. The 37-year-old goalkeeper joined the R’s 12 months ago and played a key role in retaining the club’s Championship status in 2023/24, making 46 appearances in all competitions.

“Asmir did a fantastic job last season and when we knew he would not continue, it was important we had a good set of goalkeepers here,” Cifuentes explained.

“With Joe Walsh, Murphy Mahoney and Matteo Salamon renewing their contracts, this gives us a good platform for the future, so we are very satisfied.”