Blackburn Rovers look set to complete the signing of Belgian full-back Dion De Neve, according to reports.
The Lancashire side’s retained list saw multiple academy players like Dilan Markanday depart, but they largely retained their squad with only a few key players, like in-demand striker Tyrhys Dolan, currently out of contract but handed new offers to remain at Ewood Park.
Defender Nears Switch
According to reports in Belgian outlets Het Nieuwsblad and Het Laatste Nieuws, Rovers have reached an agreement with Jupiler Pro League side KV Kortrijk for the services of 23-year-old left-back Dion De Neve, and he is set to travel to England. Journalist Sacha Tavolieri later revealed that he would sign a ‘long-term contract’ for Valerien Ismael’s side.
De Neve joined Kortrijk on a free transfer from fellow Belgian club Zulte Waregem in 2022 and has played 82 times for the club. Playing both full-back and in a more advanced wide midfield role, he featured in 30 matches this season with two goals and three assists. It was a torrid season for De Kerels as they were relegated from the Belgian top flight by two points.
He comes to Ewood Park as a replacement for the departing loanee Owen Beck, with the Welsh international playing 22 times but last featured against Portsmouth in March and was later ruled out for the season through injury. De Neve will have plenty of competition at left-back, with Harry Pickering and Yuri Ribeiro confirmed to be around next season, whilst Jake Batty’s contract situation remains unresolved following his loan at Accrington Stanley.
Writers’ View
Dion De Neve is an interesting prospect for Blackburn Rovers to take. Whilst it will be presumably cheaper to sign him from a relegated side like Kortrijk, left-back is arguably where Rovers have incredible depth with Harry Pickering and Yuri Ribeiro both showing they are up to the task. Perhaps he comes to Ewood Park as some cover for the more advanced Ryan Hedges, who may not be fit for the start of the season following a big injury against Sheffield United. Nevertheless, De Neve arrives as a good prospect who could be able to handle a new environment should Valerien Ismael call upon him.
