Blackburn Rovers will have a decision to make this summer with the news that Fulham have joined the race for star man Sammie Szmodics, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The 28-year-old has been the standout performer for the Lancashire side this season, in what has to be described as a dreadful campaign thus far. The attacker is currently the Championship’s top scorer with 21 goals, leading from the front as his team continue to battle relegation.
John Eustace’s side have become the draw specialists of the division in recent weeks. Yesterday’s 0-0 stalemate with play-off-chasing Middlesbrough was their sixth game from seven where the spoils have been shared, and they remain three points above the bottom three in 17th.
It was reported last week that Brentford were keeping tabs on Szmodics’ situation as they draw up a shortlist of potential replacements for talisman Ivan Toney, who is expected to depart the Bees this summer. However, his form at Ewood Park is beginning to attract other suitors.
According to Nixon, Fulham have now tabled their interest after sending a scout to the 1-1 draw with Plymouth Argyle last week. The 1995 Premier League champions are hoping to bag a big fee for the former Peterborough United man. However, relegation to League One may change play a part in how much they could receive for the player.
He committed his future to Blackburn in November by penning a new deal which is set to run until 2026, with the option to extend by an additional year. Speaking at the time, the prolific attacking midfielder said:
“It was an easy choice. When it became concrete, it was time to get it done. It was a no-brainer for me.
“It was a bit of a tough start, coming from down South. It is a long way up here and it is a different way of life, different manager and tactics. It was about getting used to it, on and off the pitch.
“Now I’m playing the best football I have ever played and loving every minute of being here.”
Szmodics was called up by the Republic of Ireland for the first time this week for their upcoming internationals against Belgium and Switzerland.
Manager John Eustace will use the upcoming break to regroup as he searches for his first win since taking charge of the club in February. It doesn’t get much tougher than their next fixture though, when they host title-challengers Ipswich Town at the end of the month.
Writer’s View
It’s no surprise to see Szmodics attracting Premier League interest. There are likely to be more teams keeping tabs on the situation, especially because he shows no sign of letting up in front of goal.
Blackburn’s only aim for the remainder of the campaign is securing Championship survival. Dropping into League One would be a disaster in more ways than one. Not only would they be hit financially, but they would be unable to demand the kind of fee for their star player that they are currently hoping to receive.
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