Rising South African star Tylon Smith has completed a lucrative transfer from Stellenbosch FC to EFL Championship side Queens Park Rangers, in what could be described as a life-changing move for the young defender.

The Citizen reports that although QPR have yet to formally announce his signing, 20-year-old Smith has already been in England for the past two weeks and is settling into his new environment as he prepares for the upcoming season.

According to leading betting site William Hill, the average Championship salary continues to rise, with some clubs paying players over £30 000 (R713 017) per week on average.

Leicester City topped the list in the 2023/24 season, with an average weekly wage of £44 000 (R1.05m). At the other end of the scale, lower-budget teams in the league are paying less than £5 000 (R118 836) per week in wages.

Smith caught international attention after being named Player of the Tournament at the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt earlier this year.

He played a crucial role in Amajita’s historic maiden continental triumph, including a standout performance in the 1–0 victory over Morocco in the final at Cairo International Stadium.

He also netted the decisive goal in the semi-final against Nigeria, further underlining his potential and attracting interest from clubs across Europe.

On the domestic front, Smith has been nominated for the DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season award, capping off a stellar year for one of South Africa’s brightest young talents.