“I owe this club a lot” Exclusive: Ahead of January, QPR’s talisman issues a clear stance on  future.

•  QPR talisman Ilias Chair is fully settled at the club and not distracted by transfer rumors.

•  Chair praises former QPR players Ebere Eze and Bright Osayi-Samuel for their success at their new clubs.

•  Chair is excited about the busy festive period and loves playing as many games as possible.

QPR talisman Ilias Chair feels “100%” settled at the West London club and “cannot be distracted by anything else” despite the upcoming January transfer window, he has revealed in an exclusive interview with Football League World, courtesy of Copybet.

Over the last several years, the Moroccan offensive midfielder has established himself as a vital member of the R’s team; yet, his standout performances in blue and white have often raised rumours of a move away from Loftus Road.

Leicester and Leeds interested on deadline day

After being relegated from the Premier League, Leicester City and Leeds United were being linked to a Championship promotion drive in the summer.

On deadline day, there were reportedly talks between the two parties, but a deal for the playmaker—who the R’s reportedly valued at £6 million—did not end up happening.

Although it is unclear if either party would rekindle their interest in January, Chair is not considering leaving the W12 club in January, which is a positive development.

Ilias Chair “100%” settled at QPR

He made it apparent where his allegiances are in an exclusive interview with Football League World that was made possible by Copybet.

When asked if he was comfortable at QPR despite his recent ties to other teams, he replied, “Yes, absolutely.

I am unable to be sidetracked from QPR at this time since it has my entire attention. I owe this club a great deal, so the least I can do is give it my all in every practice and game I play for QPR.

“If anything ever came about then that is the time to think about that. Right now, it’s just about QPR. It’s about getting the best out of myself and getting the best out of this team.”

His R’s contract runs until the summer of 2025, while the club have the option of a one-year extension, which means they’re in a strong negotiating position as things stand.

The West London club has been a proving ground for other attack-minded midfielders in recent years – with both Ebere Eze and Bright Osayi-Samuel showcasing their talents there before sealing their respective moves to Crystal Palace and Fenerbahçe – a fact that is not lost on the current R’s talisman.

“Those two are unbelievable players,” said Chair. “Great players on the ball and great talents.

“I’m so happy for them – the way I see them now and the way they’re doing at their clubs. I couldn’t be happier for them.

“We keep in contact as well. I talk to them weekly. It’s something you carry with you for the rest of your lives.

“But the only focus I have right now is the players that we have here. We have great quality here as well. You look at Chris Willock, you look at Lyndon Dykes, Andre Dozzell, Kenneth Paal, Jake Clarke-Salter, Reggie Cannon. These are all players that have great quality.

“All we can do is focus on what is in front of us and make sure that we stay consistent.”

Ilias Chair excited by busy festive period

The appointment of new boss Marti Cifuentes has brought an upturn in fortunes, with 10 points from their last five games meaning they’re now just two points from safety as we enter a busy festive period.

But while some players and managers may find the congested schedule frustrating, Chair loves the speed at which fixtures come at this time of the year.

He explained: “I don’t like breaks at all. As many games as possible if it was up to me. I love the game of football. I’m in love with the game of football.

“Every single time I step out there, I’m just trying to enjoy every single moment of it. I know as a footballer it’s a short career. I’m trying to get the best out of it and relish every single moment.

“For me, as many games as possible in fewer days. I can’t wait, I can’t wait. That’s something special about England. I know a lot of teams are worried about it, particularly in the Premier League due to injuries, and I do hear that.

“But for me personally, I can’t be happier because every two or three games you have another game. As a young footballer, you’re used to playing games outside every day so that’s something I really love about England.”

The R’s host promotion-hopefuls Southampton on Saturday and then travel across London to take on fellow strugglers Millwall on Boxing Day.

A trip to Portman Road to face high-flying Ipswich Town on the 29th of December will be a real test and they’re back in W12 on New Year’s Day for the visit of Cardiff City.