Blackburn Rovers have opened talks with experienced defender Danny Batth over a free transfer, according to the Lancashire Telegraph.
33-year-old Batth is currently a free agent after being released by Norwich City at the end of the 2023-24 season, and Rovers are keen on a deal to bring the player to Ewood Park this summer. They were also reportedly keen on signing the centre-back last summer but a deal failed to materialise. A move is more likely this summer though, with Batth currently without a club.
The West Midlands-born defender started his career at local club Wolverhampton Wanderers, breaking into the first-team in 2012 after a range of loan spells. Batth quickly established himself at the heart of Wolves’ defence, playing every game of their League One title-winning season in 2013-14. He remained a regular up until the Championship winning season of 2017-18 but then struggled, being loaned out to Middlesbrough before moving to Stoke City where he played 107 times. A successful spell at Sunderland followed, which saw the defender snapped up by Norwich.
Batth spent only one season at Carrow Road, playing 18 times as the Canaries reached the play-offs. He was mainly a squad player in Norfolk and his deal was not extended at the end of last season, which saw him released.
Blackburn struggled last season, escaping relegation on the final day of the season, so reinforcements are badly needed. While they are known for their young talent, experience is also needed, and Batth provides that. Manager John Eustace has a job on his hands improving fortunes and that starts with recruitment; signing Batth would be a statement of intent when it comes to staying in the division.
Writer’s View
This would be a wise move for a Blackburn side who struggled badly last season and desperately need a wise head to help steer them through the upcoming campaign. He’s also available on a free so would suit the club’s financial situation. As for Batth himself, he would likely get more game time than in the last few seasons and would remain in the second tier as his career winds down, so he will likely be keen.
