Blackburn Rovers Face Battle For 15-Goal Attacker
Blackburn Rovers are one of a host of clubs hoping to sign Luton Town attacker John McAtee this summer, according to HITC.
The 24-year-old joined the Hatters from Grimsby Town in 2022 after helping the Lincolnshire outfit escape the National League. He was immediately sent back to the Mariners on loan for their maiden League Two campaign, where he once again excelled.
This earned him another temporary move to Barnsley last season, where he took to League One like a duck to water. This saw the likes of Sunderland and Ipswich Town attempt to cut short his loan at Oakwell, although the forward was keen to see out the season in Yorkshire. The Tykes reaped the benefits of this, with McAtee scoring 15 times in all competitions whilst assisting a further five as they reached the play-offs.
Following Luton Town’s relegation from the Premier League, there was an expectation that the former Scunthorpe United man may finally get his chance at Kenilworth Road. However, Rob Edwards has managed to keep the majority of his squad together, meaning a third loan stint may be on the cards.
The manager addressed the situation last week, claiming that alongside striker Joe Taylor, the club will not be selfish when it comes to deciding their next steps:
“We’ll try and make the right decision with them as well, but we can’t be selfish with it,” he told Luton Today. “This club, Luton Town, always comes first, of course it does, but they had big impacts in the clubs they went to last year. They did well and they really enjoyed playing every week as well, so we’ve got to make the right decision with those lads.”
It was revealed last week that Bolton Wanderers are keen as they hope to finally earn themselves promotion from League One next season. Unsurprisingly, the Trotters aren’t alone in the chase. It is claimed that one of the division’s newest residents Wrexham are also in the hunt.
It feels like the Championship is the next step in his career though, and there is no shortage of potential suitors. Blackburn are named as one of the clubs hoping to convince the player to join their ranks.
The 1995 Premier League champions avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth last season. John Eustace is hoping that he can turn their fortunes around once the new campaign begins next month but will need to add to his squad. So far, only winger Aodhan Docherty and goalkeeper Jack Barrett have arrived at Ewood Park, and more will be required.
Rovers do face a fight though. It is also claimed that Derby County, Millwall, Plymouth Argyle and Portsmouth are interested in the playmaker’s services.
Writer’s View
No disrespect to Bolton or Wrexham, but McAtee must take his chance in the Championship this season. He has already proven he is far too good for the National League, League Two and League One, and it would be wrong to take the step down to the third tier again.
There are plenty of options available to him should Luton decide that another loan would be best for him at this stage. Blackburn have had a slow summer thus far and really need to start getting players through the door. There has been plenty of links, but they must avoid the mistake of the winter transfer window by leaving it too late. With so many clubs interested, Rovers should act quickly to avoid the possibility of missing out to a league rival.
