Blackburn Rovers manager John Eustace has highlighted the importance of bolstering the club’s attacking options in the upcoming January transfer window.
With a mixed goal-scoring record so far this season, Eustace stressed the need for greater firepower to improve the team’s fortunes in front of goal.
Strengthening the Attack
Eustace has identified the final third as a key area for improvement, especially following the absence of forward Sam Szmodics. While the current squad has distributed the goal-scoring duties relatively well, inconsistency and missed chances have hampered Rovers’ ability to close out matches. The Lancashire Telegraph reports that a striker and a wide player top the club’s wishlist for the new year.
Recent signings Yuki Ohashi and Makhtar Gueye have struggled to make an impact, with Ohashi last finding the net in mid-September and Gueye yet to open his account in the Championship. This underscores the urgency of Eustace’s call for new recruits to enhance competition and quality in attack.
“I hope we can be active,” Eustace told The Lancashire Telegraph. “It is about building and we want to add quality to the group. They have to be the right players, of course they do. We need quality in the final third and we have spoken about it. We’ve shown that against Cardiff and other games but we’ve had good chances and not been clinical enough.”
Changes in Recruitment Leadership
The departure of John Park, Rovers’ former Head of Recruitment, has added another layer of complexity to the January plans. Park, who had played a significant role under Tony Mowbray, stepped down this week, leaving the club searching for a Chief Football Scout to take over. His exit marks another shift in the club’s recruitment structure, now overseen by Rudy Gestede as Head of Football Operations.
Eustace paid tribute to Park’s contributions, describing him as an experienced and dedicated professional. However, he also acknowledged that the recruitment team, including Gestede and Adam Owen, is well-positioned to continue their efforts to strengthen the squad.
Writer’s View
Blackburn Rovers face a critical January transfer window, with a clear need for clinical additions in attack. While John Park’s departure might initially appear disruptive, the club’s streamlined recruitment team, led by Gestede, could provide fresh impetus. Eustace’s focus on “quality over quantity” suggests that the club is prioritising impactful signings to address their shortcomings in front of goal. Time will tell if these moves translate into success on the pitch.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
