Blackburn Rovers transfer state of play with deals expected in final 10 days of the window
Blackburn Rovers have made four new signings this summer and need to add to the squad further before 11pm on September 1
With ten days of the transfer window remaining, Blackburn Rovers are still active in the market.
Jon Dahl Tomasson has been given four new faces this summer, with Niall Ennis, Sondre Tronstad and Arnor Sigurdsson all through the door before the end of June. Since then, the business has slowed down, with Leo Wahlstedt the only player to arrive at Ewood Park.
The fact Rovers paid a fee for Wahlstedt is a positive sign, given the ongoing issue suffered by the Venkys in India. Rovers have recouped around £4.5million this summer with the sales of Thomas Kaminski and Ash Phillips but that pot has to be split between on and off-field costs, as explained by Chief Executive Steve Waggott.
That said, Rovers are still expecting arrivals before the window shuts, although nothing is imminent. Adding a centre-back is an obvious priority after the sale of Phillips and the departure of Daniel Ayala.
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Rovers have always wanted to add to their defensive pool, as Gregg Broughton told Lancs Live in May, but Sam Barnes’ thigh injury has further stressed that need. The young defender is facing four months on the sidelines.
Danny Batth is a player Rovers have fancied all summer, in the need to add more experience to the defence. That has always been dependent on Sunderland allowing him to move for free, though.
The financial elements of that deal are important, with the owners keen to ensure Rovers do not overcommit on wages or contract length, given Batth is 32 years old. On the flip side, the recruitment team have identified him as a player who could add value and experience to the squad.
Ross Sykes has been linked with a move to Ewood Park but Rovers would be required to pay a fee to Belgian side Union SG. Whether that is more palatable financially than a move for Batth is unclear. Signing both seems unlikely.
Rovers have been scouring the transfer market all summer for another striker. That has been the number one requirement for Tomasson, who has reiterated that need throughout pre-season and the start of the Championship campaign.
That is most likely to be a loan signing from the Premier League. With ten days to go, that market is still yet to really catch fire as top-flight clubs finalise their squad.
Striker and centre-back are Rovers’ biggest priorities but a wide player is also on the list. Rovers like Crystal Palace talent Jesurun Rak-Sakyi but a decision hasn’t been made on where he will spend the season.
The dynamic winger, who spent last season on loan at Charlton Athletic, came on for the Eagles in their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Monday night. It’s not inconceivable that Palace could keep him in their squad if they don’t make further additions.
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