Blackburn Rovers have identified Go Ahead Eagles’ shot-stopper Jeffrey De Lange as a potential target ahead of the upcoming season, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The Lancashire-based outfit finished 19th last season as they avoided relegation narrowly by just three points. A key point to the club’s failures was their defence as they conceded 74 goals, which was the third most of any club in the league that season. Goalkeeping duties would be shared between Aynsley Pears and Leopold Wahlstedt, as they both played over 20 games in the league.
Prior to this, at the start of the season, Thomas Kaminski left Ewood Park to join Luton Town as they embarked upon their first Premier League season. This left Rovers without their first-choice goalkeeper.
Wahlstedt would depart the club this after one season to join Aarhus GF in Denmark. This would hurt John Eustace’s goalkeeping options and lead his club to search for replacements on the transfer market. 22-year-old Jack Barrett from Everton has already arrived through the door.
Blackburn are looking to find a new goalkeeper to become their consistent number-one goalkeeper. Nixon claims that Rovers have been looking for a new first choice shot stopper for weeks and Jeffrey De Lange is now high up their list as they look into the deal.
The Dutchman learnt his trade as part of the Ajax academy before moving to FC Twente and Go Ahead Eagles. He would play every game for the latter over the past two seasons, keeping 19 clean sheets. In his most recent campaign, he excelled with a save percentage of 75.6% and 44.38 touches per 90, this left him in the top 20 percentile in the league for these stats.
Nixon would also report that the 26-year-old may cost £2 million and is emerging as the leading contender, although fellow countryman Joel Drommel at PSV Eindhoven has also been considered. Eustace’s side are also still hoping to get veteran John Ruddy on loan, whilst tracking alternatives.
Writer’s View
This would be a good signing for Blackburn as they need stability and consistency at the back ahead of an important Championship season. A new goalkeeper with a unique playstyle and experiences could be an important way for them to improve.
However, De Lange has only played in the Eredivisie. Therefore, it could lead him to need a sufficient amount of time to adapt to the league and what is expected of him. This means the Dutchmen could also fail to meet the demands of the Championship as it differs so much from the Dutch league.
In addition, with Blackburn still interested in Ruddy and Pears not linked with a move away, is another goalkeeper necessary at this price-point?
Be the first to comment