QPR appear to have struck gold when signing Kenneth Paal on a free transfer in the summer, as the left-back's value has rocketed since his move to Loftus Road.

The Hoops announced the signing of Paal on a three-year deal in June after he agreed a mutual termination of his contract with Dutch side PEC Zwolle, with the defender signing on an £8k-per-week contract with the west London outfit.

The 25-year-old, who progressed through PSV Eindhoven's academy, had enjoyed an impressive spell with Zwolle, contributing three goals and seven assists in 106 appearances, so it was perhaps always going to be a smart piece of business by the English Championship club to bring him in on a free.

He has certainly proved his worth at Loftus Road so far this season, notching one goal and four assists in 21 appearances and averaging a strong 6.97 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Only Ilias Chair and Chris Willock have earned higher average ratings from QPR's squad, while Paal also ranks in the top five players for tackles, interceptions and clearances for the R's, which emphasises how important he has become to the west London outfit.

After impressing on his first appearance under Neil Critchley at the weekend, providing the assist for Jimmy Dunne's goal in the 1-0 win over Preston North End, it seems clear that Paal will continue to be crucial to the Hoops under their new manager.

Should QPR decide to sell the 25-year-old in the near future, they look likely to make a significant profit on the Surinam international, as his Transfermarkt value has rocketed since his arrival at Loftus Road.

When he came to west London, the website valued him at only €700k. His valuation now stands at an impressive €2m, which represents an incredible 186% increase in just six months.

It also sees him ranked as the 10th-most valuable player at Loftus Road, so QPR chief executive Lee Hoos deserves a huge amount of praise for bringing him in on a free transfer during the summer, as it has proven to be a masterstroke from both a financial and footballing perspective.