Blackburn Rovers manager John Eustace has said that it would take ‘a hell of a lot of money’ to tempt the club into selling star man Sammie Szmodics this summer.
The 28-year-old has been by far the standout player in the Lancashire side’s squad this season. Finishing the campaign as the Championship’s top scorer, it’s fair to say that Rovers could be gearing up for League One football without his contribution.
Eustace guided the club to safety after taking over from Jon Dahl Tomasson in February, albeit by the skin of his teeth. They finished 19th, just three points above Birmingham City in the final relegation spot.
With 27 goals and four assists, Szmodics was involved in over half of Blackburn’s goals. He was nominated for the division’s Player of the Season and has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks. This includes the likes of Brentford, Everton, Fulham, Luton Town and West Ham United.
The Republic of Ireland international only penned a fresh three-year contract at Ewood Park last November, which includes the option to extend by an additional 12 months. As such, it is thought that it would take a big fee to tempt the 1995 Premier League champions into selling.
Speaking to Lancashire Telegraph, Eustace confirmed as much, whilst also praising the attacking midfielder’s impact this season:
“He’s the only one who has stood up and managed to be clinical enough.
“The rest of the squad haven’t been clinical enough but the work rate and effort has been there to see.
“Gally’s (Sam Gallagher) work rate off the ball is sensational, it’s very important from set-pieces too. Ty (Dolan) runs his socks off. The impact of the subs as well coming on.
“It’s about the squad but it will cost a hell of a lot of money for Sammie to go, of course it will.”
Szmodics signed off the campaign last weekend by scoring both goals in the 2-0 win over champions Leicester City.
Writer’s View
It is going to be incredibly difficult for Blackburn to keep hold of Szmodics this summer. There is sure to be a lot of interest once the transfer window opens next month. The ex-Peterborough United man revealed earlier this week that he dreams of playing in the Premier League, although is happy with life at the club.
Rovers have already received a significant windfall this season following the £18 million sale of Adam Wharton to Crystal Palace. Their talisman could fetch up to £20 million, meaning John Eustace could find himself armed with a huge war chest to make quality additions to his squad.
