Exclusive: QPR backed to seal "priceless" defender agreement | OneFootball

Cook looks set to extend his stay at Loftus Road this summer

Former footballer and current Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman believes that QPR are making the right decision as they reportedly prepare to offer veteran centre-back Steve Cook a new contract, with his current deal set to expire this summer.

33-year-old Cook has been with the Hoops since August 2023, when he joined from Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee on a two-year contract.

He previously featured for the Reds and AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League, and so quickly became a key man under Marti Cifuentes as he won QPR's Player of the Year award in his debut campaign and was named as their club captain.

Cook has continued to be a stellar performer at the back this season for the Loftus Road club, and so, according to West London Sport, he is set to sign a new contract ahead of this summer, with his current deal set to run out in June.

Don Goodman offers 'priceless' Steve Cook verdict amid contract revelation

Cook made 32 appearances in the Championship last season, and he popped up with two goals in key wins over Birmingham City and Swansea City towards the end of the campaign to help the R's eventually move away from the relegation zone to second-tier safety.

He has played 33 times so far this term, and has again netted twice with recent goals against Middlesbrough and Leeds United. The 33-year-old has suffered a few injury issues, though, and is currently sidelined with a foot issue as QPR look set to finish comfortably mid-table.

Sky Sports co-commentator and pundit Don Goodman thinks that the Hoops' apparent impending decision to offer Cook a new deal is the correct one, given how many games he has been able to feature in since he joined, as well as his impressive experience of playing at the top level with Forest and Bournemouth.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Goodman said: “He may be 33, Steve Cook, but he’s started 31 games this season, and there is no doubt that he is one of the very, very few old-school leaders left in the game.

“That could be priceless for Queens Park Rangers, certainly this season. They’ve got some young central defenders in Ronnie Edwards and Liam Morrison, who will learn an enormous amount from Steve Cook.

“The fact that he has played a large percentage of games, and been available, at his age, is testament to his professionalism.

“Just around the club, I guess he is a really good guy, good leader and great personality. (He is) an example to all.

“Even if that were the main reason for keeping him, I think it’s probably a good decision.”

Steve Cook has a wealth of experience that is vital to QPR

Cook is turning 34 this weekend, and while he has picked up injuries in recent months, it is clear to see that he is still performing to a very high level when he is fit, and is one of the few consistently impressive performers in Marti Cifuentes' squad.

Aside from his current quality, Cook's experience will be one of the main reasons as to why QPR want to extend his contract past this summer. His exploits in his 10 years at Bournemouth saw him achieve legendary status at the Vitality Stadium, as he was a rock at the back for the club as they made their way from League One to the Premier League in just three seasons from 2013 to 2015.

The Hastings-born defender made over 380 appearances for the Cherries in his time at the club, while he has played 180 times in the English top-flight across spells with Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest.

As recently as 2022, he played his part in another promotion to the Premier League with the City Ground side. Cook played every minute of Forest's play-off winning campaign that season, and it is clear that he utilises that kind of experience to this day in his time at Loftus Road.

The 33-year-old recently told Tribal Football that he wants QPR to "create something incredible" and follow in the footsteps of both of his former clubs with promotion to the Premier League. It is clear that he wants to grow with the R's as the next few years progress, and it looks as if he will get his wish with a new deal in the pipeline.