A general view outside Arsenal's Emirates Stadium
Photo by Ronnie Macdonald, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0.
A general view outside Arsenal's Emirates Stadium
Blackburn Rovers saw teenage forward Igor Tyjon leave for Arsenal in the summer, ending a lengthy transfer saga.
Blackburn Rovers’ quiet summer transfer window drew criticism from supporters, but Tony Mowbray has found a working formula with the squad he inherited. The Lancashire outfit sit in 10th after 11 games, with youngsters Tom Atcheson and Kristi Montgomery further cementing their places in the side.
However, one youngster who felt he would be better off elsewhere was forward Igor Tyjon. The 18-year-old was held in high regard at Ewood Park, but the relationship between him and the club became fractured, and he eventually moved to long-term admirers Arsenal after a lengthy transfer saga.
A general view outside Arsenal's Emirates Stadium
Photo by Ronnie Macdonald, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Blackburn Rovers FC Roundup
The teenage forward has signed a long-term contract at Arsenal and is viewed as a prospect for the future. Tyjon will hope to make his senior breakthrough in North London and become a first-team option for Mikel Arteta in the years to come.
How has Igor Tyjon fared since leaving Blackburn Rovers?
Tyjon was highly regarded at Blackburn Rovers, delivering strong goalscoring form in the Premier League 2 despite his age. He managed 13 goals and four assists in 33 games for the club’s U21s and played three times for the first-team.
Frustration grew over limited senior chances though, leading to a contract stand-off. It meant a move eventually felt inevitable, and Arsenal got the deal they desired after a dragging pursuit.
Tyjon is only in the early days of his time with the Gunners. He has played twice in the Premier League 2 so far with his sole start coming in a 4-1 loss to Chelsea’s U21s.
Igor Tyjon’s Arsenal academy stats
Games Goals Assists
4 0 1
The former Rovers prospect provided an assist off the bench in a 2-1 UEFA Youth League triumph over Napoli’s youngsters and played off the bench against Leyton Orient in the EFL Trophy in September.
Tyjon mainly played centrally as a striker or attacking midfielder at Blackburn Rovers but has operated on the left for Arsenal. It will be intriguing to see if they view this as his position going forward, or if he will get opportunities to impress through the middle like he did in Lancashire.
The Verdict: Blackburn Rovers will be happy to leave Tyjon saga in the past
The Igor Tyjon saga became a tiresome one for Blackburn Rovers fans. Efforts were made to keep him on improved terms, but it seemed clear that his head had been turned by interest from elsewhere.
Arsenal are an attractive destination for young stars. Not only are they the reigning Premier League champions, but they have one of Europe’s best academy setups at Hale End.
Even if Tyjon doesn’t end up making the grade for Arteta’s side, he will be well equipped to enjoy a fruitful career in the game elsewhere thanks to the level of coaching he is receiving. The former Rovers starlet will be intent on proving his value at North London though.
The Tyjon saga is one those at Ewood Park will have been happy to move on from, it just remains to be seen if they are made to pay for losing him.