Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Yasin Ayari says he is open to returning to Blackburn Rovers next season after a loan spell with the club last season.
Sweden international Ayari spent the second half of the season in Lancashire, having been signed by former Rovers manager Jon Dahl Tomasson. However, Tomasson was fired shortly after joining the club, which had an impact on the Swede’s minutes. The midfielder has reunited with his previous manager and returned to international duty, with Tomasson now in command of the Swedish national team. Ayari, a fixture in the under-21 side, has made two senior appearances for his country and is still learning the professional game. Despite making
three appearances for Brighton in the top flight the season prior, perhaps another loan move could quicken his progression as he’s not exactly in the plans at the AMEX currently. “It was a good loan. I didn’t get to play as much as I wanted but every time I got to jump in, I did well and they appreciated what I did.
“I spoke to the coach before I left and he wants me back there, but we will see what happens.”
The 20-year-old played ten times for the Lancashire who are now managed by former Birmingham City boss John Eustace in the second tier. They’d secured their Championship status with victory over champions Leicester City on the last day of the season.
Ayari’s move to East Lancashire wasn’t his only spell in the second division last term, following a loan move to Coventry City in the first half of the campaign, which saw the Swede score once in 13 appearances. Rated by Transfermarkt at around the £3.8 million mark, Ayari is expected to go onto better things in the future.
As he continues to study the English game, a return to Ewood Park may be extremely useful next season. At only 20 years old, he has plenty of room for growth and might play a significant role if he completes a loan move.
Writer’s perspective
In recent years, Blackburn has been a breeding ground for young Premier League talent gaining experience in the senior league. Tyler Morton, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Harvey Elliott all spent time at Ewood Park before moving on to better things.
Despite his limited position and Blackburn’s troubles during his time in Lancashire, Ayari is no different. With the Blues starting the new season off the tail of a difficult campaign when they very narrowly avoided relegation, keeping
Him could be a certain approach to ensure continuity for John Eustace’s side. It would also provide the Swede with the first-team minutes he requires to take the next step and develop on the glimpses of talent he demonstrated last season.
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