Blackburn Rovers may block a proposed loan move for forward Makhtar Gueye as concerns grow over their attacking depth.
The 27-year-old has been linked with a switch to Turkish side Kocaelispor, but the club are weighing up their options carefully.
Rovers Facing Attacking Dilemma
Gueye, who joined Blackburn last summer, remains under contract at Ewood Park until 2027. Reports suggested Aberdeen were interested in a deal earlier in the window, but no move materialised, and now Turkish outfit Kocaelispor are keen to take him on loan.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, manager Valérien Ismaël is reluctant to sanction an exit given the lack of depth in his squad.
The Senegalese forward endured a mixed debut campaign, scoring eight times in 47 appearances across all competitions, six of which came in the Championship. He has struggled to replicate that form this season and is yet to find the net in his first five outings. With Rovers already short of options up front, letting him go could leave the team vulnerable in a demanding league campaign.
Makhtar Gueye Career So Far
Gueye made his senior debut for Saint-Étienne in August 2018, marking the occasion with a goal against Strasbourg. After a spell in Belgium with KV Oostende, he spent time on loan at Spanish side Real Zaragoza before joining RWD Molenbeek in 2023.
A year later, he signed a three-year contract with Blackburn, where he quickly scored on his debut in the EFL Cup against Stockport County. Known for his physical style, Gueye has even been compared to Didier Drogba and his arrival at Ewood Park was meant to provide a focal point in attack, but with inconsistency in front of goal, questions continue over his long-term role at the club.
Blackburn’s current form has also increased the pressure on Ismaël. The team were beaten 2-0 by Norwich City in their last outing before the international break and have collected just three points from their opening four Championship matches. That has intensified the need to keep as many options available as possible, with Gueye’s physical presence seen as a potential asset even if his finishing touch is missing.
Writer’s View
This is a difficult balancing act for Blackburn. On one hand, allowing Gueye to leave could free up funds and space in the squad, while giving him the chance to rediscover form elsewhere. On the other, the Championship is an unforgiving competition, and with Rovers’ striking options limited, losing a contracted player until 2027 feels risky.
Ismaël will likely keep faith in the forward for now, banking on his experience and hoping a run of goals can shift the mood at Ewood Park.
