Queens Park Rangers sign Ghana defender Tariq Lamptey on free transfer

English Championship side Queens Park Rangers have completed the signing of Ghana international Tariq Lamptey on a free transfer ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The experienced right-back joins the Hoops after leaving Italian Serie A outfit Fiorentina by mutual consent, bringing an end to a difficult spell that was heavily disrupted by injuries.

Lamptey and Fiorentina agreed to terminate his contract in May after a disappointing campaign in which the Ghanaian defender managed just 25 minutes of competitive football. The former Chelsea academy graduate had arrived in Florence last summer from Brighton & Hove Albion on a three-year deal, but persistent injury problems prevented him from making the expected impact.

With his contract terminated, the 25-year-old attracted interest from several clubs before opting to continue his career with Queens Park Rangers, who have moved swiftly to strengthen their squad ahead of the new Championship campaign.

The London club believes Lamptey’s top-flight experience and attacking qualities will add valuable depth and quality to their defensive options as they seek to make a strong impression in the second tier.

Born in Hillingdon, Lamptey began his football journey in Chelsea’s renowned academy and made his Premier League debut against Arsenal in December 2019. His promising displays earned him a permanent move to Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2020, where he quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking full-backs.

During his five-year spell with the Seagulls, Lamptey made more than 120 appearances across all competitions, impressing with his blistering pace, defensive resilience and ability to influence games from wide areas before making the move to Italy in 2025.

On the international stage, Lamptey switched his allegiance from England to Ghana and represented the Black Stars at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He has gone on to earn 11 senior caps for the four-time African champions and remains an important option for the national team when fully fit.

After an injury-ravaged year in Italy, Lamptey will now be aiming to relaunch his career at Queens Park Rangers, where regular football could help him regain the form that once made him one of the brightest young full-backs in English football while strengthening his case for a return to Ghana’s starting lineup.