FC Schalke 04 frustrated by Queens Park Rangers’ handling of Ba transfer

“We are very frustrated with QPR’s conduct over the past two weeks,” said Schalke’s board member for sport, Frank Baumann. “This period has been marked by delays without any substantive explanation, as well as days without any response to calls or official messages. For us, a transfer – especially after two agreements between the clubs – should be handled in a more cooperative manner.” Baumann added that the club had so far deliberately refrained from commenting publicly, out of consideration for the player and the situation.

The Royal Blues also take issue with the reason given for the cancellation. “Pape has made over 30 competitive appearances in each of the past four years, and was in good physical condition during our pre-season preparations,” Baumann pointed out. “The concerns raised by Queens Park Rangers are not new – they have already been taken into account in four previous transfers. They clearly do not prevent him from carrying out his duties as a professional footballer, as his average of more than 30 matches per season demonstrates. Our priority now is to get Pape back into training as quickly as possible.”