Wycombe Wanderers defender Chris Forino is closing in on a move to Queens Park Rangers which will see him reunited with former boss Gareth Ainsworth, according to The Sunday Mirror’s Darren Witcoop via Twitter.
The 23-year-old Saint Lucian has been ever-present for Wanderers since joining them from non-league in April 2021, with the defender now set to become a Championship player by making the move to Loftus Road and be reunited with the manager who signed him for Wycombe in Gareth Ainsworth.
After deciding to take a break from football to progress his education following a spell at Cheshunt, Forino signed his first-professional contract with the U23 side at Colchester United in 2018.
When his year-long contract expired, the defender linked up with Wingate & Finchley in September 2019 in the Isthmian League Premier Division. He made 20 appearances for the club and scored one goal during the season which was affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The defender then went on to have a spell at Loughborough University, who were in the United Counties Premier League Division. However, he was only able to make four appearances as COVID-19 once again disrupted the 2020-21 league season across the country.
On the 27th of April, following a successful trial period, Forino joined Wycombe, who were a Championship club at the time. Unfortunately, his career did not get off to the best of starts at Adams Park, as Wanderers were relegated back to League One and he spent a long time on the sidelines with an injury.
Despite this, he rehabilitated with the Development Squad Physiotherapist and scored his first senior goal in Wycombe’s FA Cup tie against Hartlepool United.
In total, the defender has made 52 appearances in all competitions for the Chairboys and scored six goals.
Writer’s View
This is a big move for Forino, who is going to be reuniting with the manager who gave him his chance in the EFL and knows his strengths, whilst also knowing the style of football that Ainsworth is trying to implement at Loftus Road.
However, with QPR having lost Rob Dickie to fellow Championship side Bristol City earlier this summer, if Forino is the expected replacement for Dickie, it is a big step up for him with some big shoes to fill to replace a defender who has been outstanding during his time at Loftus Road. One to watch if you ask me
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