After finishing a very disappointing 19th place in the Championship, only securing their safety after winning on the final day, plenty of change can be expected at Ewood Park this summer.
Despite having the Championship’s top goalscorer, Sammie Szmodics, within their ranks, it was certainly too close for comfort for many fans. Szmodics would notch 27 of the 60 goals that the club would score in the second tier, who would’ve almost certainly been relegated had it not been for his contributions,
As a result of his starring performances this season, the striker has been heavily linked with a move away and a significant fee would come Blackburn’s way if a move was to materialise. Although they will want to keep the striker, the potential sale would net them plenty of money to improve the team across all areas, something which is rather needed at the present.
There are however positives for the future and with John Eustace in charge, the club will be expected to progress next term. The manager is yet to have had a transfer window during his tenure with the club and this summer gives him the perfect opportunity to bring in some of the players that he wants.
It seems as if they’re not too far away now from announcing their first signing under Eustace, with the Belfast Telegraph reporting that a move has been finalised for Linfield youngster Aodhan Doherty.
At 18 years-of-age, Doherty is very much one for the future and isn’t exactly expected to play too much of a significant part in the forthcoming season. He’d turn out 14 times for the Northern Irish side in all competitions this season and has shown enough talent to earn himself a move across the water.
The fee for the winger is expected to be around the £100,000 mark according to the publication, which could turn out to be very little if the winger can progress in England. It’s highly unlikely that he’ll be around the first team anytime soon, but he could be quite the acquisition for the long-term.
Writer’s View
The apparent signing of Doherty is hardly one to get Rovers fans off of their seats at the minute but he could be one to watch in years to come and must be given time.
Plenty of new faces can be expected through the doors of Ewood Park this summer with the club seeing increased finances through player sales. Midfielder Adam Wharton would leave for a hefty fee in the January transfer window and Szmodics, if he does go, would also supply the club with a very decent amount of money.
It seems as if Eustace has a long-term goal for the club and although improvements will no doubt be expected in the forthcoming season, he may be thinking about two or even three years down the line where the club could make a serious promotion bid. Don’t be surprised if Rovers were to sign a few youngsters with that in mind.
Senior Editor
