In a day that is traditionally dominated by the incomings and outgoings of players between clubs, transfer deadline day is renowned for springing a surprise or two.
As the window slammed shut on the back of another hectic summer transfer dealings, it was the immediate future of Charlie Austin that made the headlines, but not in the way most had predicted.
It was announced by the player himself via Twitter that he would remain a QPR player. The timing of the tweet surprised many as it came at roughly 3:00 pm, a full three hours before the 6:00 pm deadline. On a day that has been famed in recent years for its big money moves and last minute deals, a transfer could’ve materialized very quickly for the 26-year-old.
Undoubtedly, the fact that Charlie Austin has remained a Queens Park Rangers player after a summer of speculation on a move away from Loftus Road that has left the majority puzzled.
After the R’s relegation from the Premier League, it was the general consensus that the striker’s future would not involve campaign back in the Championship.
But it seems that QPR have pulled off the impossible and managed to maintain the services of their prized asset, which would’ve pleased the Rangers faithful.
But what exactly is the reason behind Charlie Austin’s failure to secure a move back to England’s top division?
An obvious response could be, Austin’s contract expires at the end of the season. Why would clubs pay for somebody they could potentially get for free next summer? A valid point, but this tactic would run the inevitable risk of a full scale bidding war on Austin’s wages between clubs.
It is not every day you can pick up a player with Austin’s pedigree for nothing. This would please nobody more than the player’s agent who will demand that himself and the player get a prosperous deal.
It is usually the case when the player is unsuccessful of gaining a move away from their current club is the staggering transfer fee they command from their potential suitors to secure their services.
However, it has been widely acknowledged that the London club had a valuation of £15 million on a player who scored 18 goals for them in the Premier League. Many would argue that for somebody in the final year of their contract, this is a steep price. However, when you look at Charlie Austin’s goal record, you would be hard pressed to dispute this valuation.
The striker, who only started playing league football in 2009 after three years plying his trade in non-league whilst working as a bricklayer, has amassed 121 goals in 229 appearances.
To put this into context, listed below are Austin’s goals to game ratio compared to Saido Berahino and Harry Kane, who were both linked with big money moves throughout the window.
Charlie Austin: 229 club appearances 121 goals: 0.53 Goals per game
Premier League goal ratio: 35 games 18 goals: 0.51
Saido Berahino: 117 club appearances 41 goals: 0.35 goals per game
Premier League goal ratio: 73 games 19 goals: 0.26
Harry Kane: 146 club appearances 52 goals: 0.35 goals per game
Premier League goal ratio: 49 games 24 goals: 0.5
Austin’s goal record speaks for itself and his consistency in front of net is clear to see with these statistics.
It will be pointed out that the majority of his goals have come outside of the Premier League. However, in his only campaign in England’s top flight, he managed to secure a commendable average strike rate of one goal every two games. To achieve this feat for a relegated side is both admirable and impressive.
With figures of £25 million being touted for Berahino and £40 million for Harry Kane, it seems that QPR’s valuation of the player is no way beyond the realms of reasonability.
Whilst Kane and Berahino, both 22, may have age on their side in comparison to Austin, the 6’2″ centre forward has a wealth of experience under his belt. At 26-years-old, the former Swindon Town and Burnley striker still has his best years ahead of him.
By no means will another season in the Championship hinder Austin’s career, there is no doubt that he will continue to score goals to maintain his superb goals record.
The possibility of a move in January when the transfer market reopens is not of the question. In a window that is recognised by many as the place for panic buys and inflated transfer fees, a number of Premier League clubs may be more than willing to make a move for Austin.
QPR may be more willing to accept a lower offer. Losing a player of Austin’s quality without receiving a fee seems ludicrous on a business front; especially considering the financial restraints the club is under after years of overspending and yo-yoing between leagues.
It is obvious that Austin’s career belongs in the Premier League and his form merits a place in England’s top division.
What you can be certain of is that Charlie Austin’s name will continue to appear on that score sheet for the foreseeable future and a number of club’s will be left to regret their decision not to invest in a proven goal scorer.
For now, what is the Premier League’s loss is QPR’s gain, even if it is for the short term.
