Blackburn have had a frustrating start to the transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad following Tony Mowbray’s return to Ewood Park.
It was a hectic season last time out for Rovers, with Michael O’Neill coming to the club to help them avoid relegation, with many presuming he would land the job permanently.
But, that didn’t happen, with O’Neill continuing as Northern Ireland boss, which prompted Blackburn to turn to Mowbray.
Soccer Football - Championship - Sunderland v Middlesbrough - Stadium of Light, Sunderland, Britain - October 7, 2023 Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray Action Images/Craig BroughAction Images
Now, attention has turned to improving the squad, but, despite plenty of links, Rovers are yet to make the signings that fans are demanding.
Tony Mowbray provides encouraging Blackburn transfer update
However, in a fresh development, Mowbray has confirmed to the club media that discussions are taking place regularly about how they can enhance the squad, as he made it clear that he would be willing to look at some of the best Premier League clubs for younger players to sign on loan.
“We are sitting in the recruitment department a lot of afternoons in the week when we don’t have double training, and we’re looking at players and potential transfers.
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“I think both (transfers and loans). I think historically, you know, when I’ve been here, we’ve had Harvey Elliott, Tosin Adarabioyo, Jarrad Branthwaite, we’ve had some pretty big footballers who have gone on to have really good careers.
“If there are some opportunities to bring in some really highly talented young players from Liverpool, Man City or Man Utd, or one of those clubs in the north west, that I feel could benefit us, but also benefit them, then I wouldn’t say no to that.
“In an ideal world you sign your own players and develop your own players, of course. But, if a really talented individual will help our group, then I’ve got no problem taking loan players and hopefully making the team develop.”
Blackburn must do all they can to back Tony Mowbray this summer
As outlined above, Blackburn need to strengthen the squad, as they were battling relegation last season, and, if it wasn’t for the good work by O’Neill, they could have been playing in League One.
Tony MowbrayAction Images
So, it’s clear that several areas need to be addressed, and we know that the situation with the owners means that Rovers aren’t going to be big spenders.
Therefore, it makes total sense that they are constantly checking the loan market, and Mowbray’s record when it comes to developing players should make Blackburn a very attractive proposition.
The 62-year-old namechecked Adarobioyo, Branthwaite and Elliott as examples of players who improved under his guidance with Blackburn, and it’s something he did at other clubs as well, with Amad Diallo another obvious one at Sunderland.
Which young players from Man Utd, Man City or Liverpool should Blackburn target? Let us know in the comments below.
You can be sure that other clubs recognise that, and Blackburn must use that to their advantage when it comes to trying to beat rivals to potential signings.
Yet, as Mowbray also explains, it’s still beneficial to sign players permanently for obvious reasons, and Blackburn must not leave themselves in a position where they are relying on loan players to beef up the squad.
Ultimately, there is a lot of work to do, and it will be interesting to see how Blackburn’s squad looks when they make the trip to Molineux to take on Wolves on the opening night of the Championship.