New Sammie Szmodics twist emerges as Ipswich Town and Leeds United battle for Blackburn Rovers star
Galatasaray are interested in signing Blackburn Rovers forward Sammie Szmodics this summer amid Leeds United and Ipswich Town speculation, in yet another twist in this continuing summer transfer saga.
According to Football Transfers, the Turkish giants are yet to make an offer to the Lancashire outfit for a potential transfer.
The Ireland international enjoyed a prolific Championship season last year, bagging 27 goals in 44 appearances, the most of anyone in the division (all stats from Fbref).
But this has led to uncertainty over his future, with multiple clubs chasing his signature this summer.
Szmodics has a contract with Rovers until 2026, but could depart this year if a fee can be agreed with the second tier side.
Sammie Szmodics transfer latest
Galatasaray are the latest club to emerge with an interest in Szmodics this summer.
The Super Lig side are looking to retain their top division title next season, and the addition of the 28-year-old would bolster their attacking options.
However, Ipswich and Leeds are also in the race to sign the Blackburn star.
It is understood that the Tractor Boys are still in dialogue with Rovers over a move, having already seen multiple bids rejected this transfer window.
It has been claimed that there is still just a small gap in valuation between the two clubs, which puts the Suffolk outfit in pole position currently to secure his signature.
But it has been reported that Leeds have opened formal talks with Rovers over a deal, meaning it is a far from straightforward situation.
Szmodics’ ambition is to play in the Premier League, which does put Galatasaray in a disadvantageous position.
However, the Turkish club can offer European football, which could help sway the forward towards a move, although no official offer has been forthcoming from just yet.
Regardless, personal terms are not expected to be an issue in talks, even if a transfer fee has yet to be agreed with Blackburn.
Sammie Szmodics’ importance to Blackburn
Szmodics was the Championship’s top scorer last season, with his goals proving crucial to the club’s survival in the second division.
He has made 78 league appearances for the first team since joining from Peterborough United in 2022, contributing a total of 32 goals and six assists.
It remains to be seen what kind of fee Blackburn will receive if a deal goes through, but it has been reported that the Lancashire outfit are holding out for up to £20 million.
Clubs have until 30 August to resolve the situation surrounding Szmodics’ future before the window shuts for the remainder of the calendar year.
Ipswich seem obvious destination for Szmodics
Galatasaray would be an interesting next step for Szmodics, especially as they will have Champions League football to offer for next season.
However, Ipswich remains the most obvious destination at this point, especially given the willingness to spend that they’ve already shown this summer.
Kieran McKenna is building a side for life in the Premier League, and it is a project that could prove very enticing for someone like Szmodics.
The chance to compete at the top level of English football surely puts them ahead of Leeds in the race to his signature.