QPR have reportedly recalled left-back Niko Hamalainen from his loan spell with Botafogo in preparation for the start of the 2022/23 Championship season. 

The Finn joined the Brazilian club in April but has played just 14 minutes of football since – with his only appearance off the bench in a Copa do Brasil fixture – and is now set to have his move cut short.

That's according to reports in Brazil, with Globo Esporte claiming that Hamalainen's bags are packed and he will return to England.

It is understood that the R's have recalled the left-back in preparation for the 2022/23 Championship season, with pre-season set to get underway soon and the first round of fixtures less than two months away.

There is said to have been a fair bit of excitement at the Seria A club after the defender's loan move was confirmed but he leaves with new owner John Textor disappointed.

Hamalainen is under contract at Loftus Road until 2024 but looked to have fallen out of favour completely under Mark Warburton – having not featured since the 2020/21 campaign.

With Warburton gone and his replacement Michael Beale thought to be keen on attacking full-backs, the Finnish defender could be set for another chance to prove himself in W12.

The departures of Lee Wallace (released) and Sam McCallum (end of loan deal) mean Beale lacks options at left-back.

The Verdict

This has come as something of a shock but perhaps it shouldn't given the new manager has taken charge and will want to run the rule over all the players available to him.

Hamalainen's situation has been a strange one with the 25-year-old's contract extended despite the fact he appeared excess to requirements.

But a new manager, and one that favours attacking full-backs, should offer him the chance to kick-start his R's career.

The fact the Championship club have recalled him in preparation for 2022/23 suggests he will get the opportunity to prove himself in pre-season.