Blackburn Rovers should cash in on Sammie Szmodics to help bankroll their summer rebuild. Blackburn had narrowly missed out on the play-offs the previous season, and it was anticipated they would be able to build on their success this year. Rovers, on the other hand, struggled with consistency and were pulled into a relegation battle after going eight games without a win at the start of 2024.
One bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season was the development of forward Sammie Szmodics, who, despite Blackburn’s troubles, finished as the Championship’s leading scorer with 27 goals.
The Irishman has been at Blackburn since 2022, but he only scored five Championship goals in his first season as he struggled to adjust to life in Lancashire.
Szmodics, on the other hand, has exceeded all predictions this season, and his goals have piqued the interest of numerous Premier League clubs, notably Brentford and Luton Town, the latter of which will join Blackburn in the Championship next season.
Blackburn need to rebuild this summer, and the sale of Szmodics would allow John Eustace to bring in the players he needs to keep Blackburn out of relegation trouble.
Szmodics is expected to want roughly £20 million for his services, and with the striker turning 29 at the start of next season, Blackburn should aim to cash in while his value is high.
Szmodics, the form of his life
Szmodics has been a consistent, if not prolific, goal scorer throughout his career, with the Irishman netting as many goals for Blackburn this season as he did in 96 appearances for former club Peterborough United.
Szmodics is having a good run in front of goal right now, but his track record says he won’t be able to maintain it.
Blackburn have benefited from Szmodics’ rapid surge in form, which has helped them remain in the Championship. However, Rovers would be well to anticipate that he is unlikely to retain the levels of performance he has demonstrated over the last ten months and instead attempt to cash in while his market worth is at an all-time high.
Leicester City, who have recently been promoted, are reportedly interested in signing.
Szmodics to the Premier League, and with Blackburn wanting for about £20 million to part with their star man, Rovers would be prudent to engage with Leicester or any other side given the year their player has recently had. It’s probably fair to say that his stock will never be that high again.
Szmodics fee will help support the rebuild. Eustace joined Blackburn in February as the team was in freefall, and he helped bring them to safety after losing only eight of his 28 games in charge.
The Englishman will be eager to stamp his authority on Blackburn’s squad this summer, and any proceeds from the sale of Szmodics would go a long way toward helping Eustace rebuild the team in his image.
Blackburn are apparently interested in signing Motherwell striker Theo Blair to replace Szmodics, as well as Josh Murphy and Greg Docherty, both of whom are poised to become free agents this summer.
It’s going to be a busy summer for Blackburn, and with Szmodics turning 29 at the start of next season and entering the final two years of his contract, it appears to be an ideal time for Blackburn to cash in on their star striker.
The loss of a talented player will always be felt, but in this case, moving him on for a magnificent eight-figure price isn’t the end of the world.
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