Gallagher to be sold? Blackburn Rovers must sort these 4 issues before August 30th
Uncertainty surrounds Sammie Szmodics’ future at Rovers despite interest from top clubs, no bids received yet.
Tyrhys Dolan may leave if not offered new contract extension, Blackburn triggered 12-month option.
Blackburn must sign a new striker as Gallagher’s future uncertain, previous signings have not worked out.
Blackburn Rovers are facing up to what ought to be a busy period in the transfer window over the course of the summer.
The Ewood Park club only avoided relegation from the Championship to League One on the final day of last season after being dragged into a battle to avoid the drop.
As a result, there will now be questions about the futures of several members of John Eustace’s side heading into the 2024/25 campaign.
Those issues will need to be addressed quickly this summer if the club are to put plans in place that ensure they are not dragged into another fight to avoid the drop next season.
So with that in mind, we’ve taken a look at some of the big issues Blackburn must deal with before the summer transfer window closes on August 30th, right here.
Sammie Szmodics interest
Far beyond anything else, it was the 27 Championship goals – 33 in all competitions – of Sammie Szmodics that kept Rovers in the Championship last season.
That form though, has inevitably led to plenty of speculation around the future of the attacker for next season, with a number of clubs already being named as potential suitors for the 28-year-old.
It has been claimed that Galatasaray are preparing to submit a £12million bid, amid interest from a number of Premier League clubs such as Everton, Brentford and Leicester City.
According to recent reports though, Blackburn are yet to receive any bids for Szmodics this summer, and a new contract has not been ruled out.
Either way, the club need to know sooner rather than whether he definitively will be staying or going, given his importance to their cause.
That way, if he is to move on, it gives them as much time as possible to replace the player who looks to be most vital to their prospects for next season, as things stand.
Tyrhys Dolan contract uncertainty
Blackburn triggered a 12-month option in Tyrhys Dolan’s deal earlier this summer, meaning he is now contracted to the club until the summer of 2025.
That though, does mean that this transfer window could be their last chance to cash in on him and Luton Town have recently been credited with an interest.
However, Rovers have already confirmed that they have offered Dolan a new contract, which they no doubt hope the livewire attacker will sign.
If he does not, they may be inclined to sell him to avoid the risk of losing him on a free when his deal expires this time next year.
As a result, Blackburn will need to be aware if he is going to extend his stay at Ewood Park or not quickly, then they can arrange any potential exit in time and move on to sourcing a replacement.
Sam Gallagher sale decision
Sam Gallagher is another who saw a 12-month extension in his contract triggered by Rovers at the end of the campaign.
As a result, the striker is another who could leave on a free next summer if he is not sold this time around, and there may well be a chance to move him on in the coming weeks.
It has been reported that newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town remain keen on Gallagher, having seen bids rejected for him back in the January transfer window.
Their top-flight status means the Tractor Boys could pay a decent fee for Gallagher, which may seem tempting to Blackburn.
That way, it would give them the opportunity to bring in decent funds that could be reinvested, while moving on a high-earning striker who does not score many.
However, they were keen to keep him despite that earlier this year, which will make their stance on his future this summer particularly interesting.
