MESS IS MORE
Forgotten wonderkid once dubbed ‘next Lionel Messi’ seals return to English football after Ligue 1 spell
See what the star's former boss had to say about him
FORGOTTEN wonderkid Karamoko Dembele will return to English football after signing with Queens Park Rangers.
The 21-year-old once received one of the most promising accolades a young footballer can get - by being compared to Lionel Messi.
2
2
However, Dembele's career hasn't quite hit the heights of the Argentine icon, with his latest move seeing him agree a £2.5million switch to Championship side QPR.
Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Saturday that the winger "will travel to the UK this weekend to complete medical tests."
The London-born ace spent last season on loan from French club Brest at League One Blackpool and became a key man in the squad.
Dembele's eight goals and 14 assists throughout the season contributed significantly to Blackpool's EFL League One promotion push and he was awarded the Players' "Player of the Season".
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
The former Celtic star joined the Scottish giants at the age of 10 and shot to fame in 2016 when then-manager Brendan Rodgers called him into the senior squad.
He made his debut for Celtic's under-20 development team at the age of 13.
After playing eight matches and scoring once for Celtic at a professional level his contract ended at the club and he signed for Brest in July 2022 on a free transfer and a four-year deal.
French outlet L'Equipe regarded him as one of six "outstanding young players set to revolutionise the game".
Most read in Championship
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
And during his loan at Blackpool last term boss Neil Critchley called him "a brilliant footballer" and "exciting, something different in this league".
In his verdict to the Blackpool Gazette, Critchley added: "He's really courageous, he takes the ball into any area of the pitch and backs himself - he's got real bravery."
Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers
QPR finished last season on the brink of relegation in 18th but victories in their last three games against Preston North End, Leeds and Coventry saved their place in the second tier.
Dembele missed out on Marti Cifuentes’ side’s opening match of the season against West Brom
The star will hope to feature in their next clash which takes place on August 17 against Sheffield United.
SUNSPORT'S TRANSFER NEWS LIVE
STAY in the know this summer with The Sun's transfer experts.
Chelsea have reportedly agreed a £35m deal for Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion.
Conor Gallagher has completed his medical ahead of a £34million move to Atletico Madrid.
Manchester City are also selling striker Julian Alvarez to the La Liga side - and the deal is almost certain to get done despite a slight hitch over personal terms.
Tottenham have identified Dominic Solanke as a major transfer target before the end of the window, according to reports.
Follow our LIVE TRANSFER BLOG for all the latest deals, gossip and exclusives.