Sammie Szmodics, a former Blackburn Rovers player, has admitted there was ‘no hiding away’ from his desire to join Ipswich Town this summer.
Blackburn Rovers had a hectic summer transfer window, with the Sammie Szmodics drama dominating for several weeks.
After inspiring John Eustace’s team to survival, the offensive midfielder was expected to go. The former Peterborough United player scored 33 goals and four assists in 48 games in all competitions.
He even started the season with three goals and one assist in two Rovers games.
However, Szmodics would eventually receive his well-deserved promotion. Ipswich Town were connected with him during the summer, and they eventually signed him from Blackburn Rovers for a rumored amount of roughly £9 million plus add-ons.
Now, the 28-year-old has provided an honest description of the saga from his perspective.
According to the East Anglian Daily Times, the Republic of Ireland international said he did not hide his desire to join the Premier League. Regardless, Blackburn Rovers were’really good’ with Szmodics, he claims.
“It was incredibly challenging, but Blackburn were fantastic since the Premier League is everyone’s ambition.
“The transfer had been going on for perhaps six or seven weeks, and there was no denying that I wanted to come here. I informed Blackburn of my decision to withdraw from pre-season games, which was reported in the press.I was still training, sometimes with the team and sometimes on my own, but I was approaching it professionally.
“I told Blackburn I didn’t want to play any pre-season games, which they were happy with. I kept everything professional at all times, which I believe helped with this transition.
“When it came to the final moments of trying to get the deal over the line, because I’d been professional and good to Blackburn Rovers, they were good to me. I’ve got nothing but good words to say about them.”“When it came to the final moments of trying to get the deal over the line, because I’d been professional and good to Blackburn Rovers, they were good to me. I’ve got nothing but good words to say about them.” A deserved move
As much as Blackburn Rovers would have loved for Szmodics to stay, there’s no denying that this was a move the attacking midfielder deserved to make.
He’s worked his way all the way through the Football League and having enjoyed the best season of his career to date in a struggling side, there was no way he wasn’t going to take the chance to make the move to the Premier League.
Szmodics has already got off the mark for Ipswich Town too. He opened the scoring against Manchester City and even though the Tractor Boys’ lead was short-lived and City cruised to victory, the moment will live long in the memories of Szmodics and those who travelled up from Suffolk.
Rovers’ replacements
Many had predicted a relegation battle for Blackburn Rovers, knowing that Szmodics was sure to leave. However, Eustace and the recruitment team appear to have replaced his outstanding performance.
Yuki Ohashi has had a wonderful start in Lancashire, scoring five goals and assisting once in seven appearances. Makhtar Gueye has also begun strongly, and Ryan Hedges and Andi Weimann are in good form.
Rovers are one of three Championship teams still unbeaten after five games. They’ll be looking to keep that record as they prepare to meet Lancashire rivals Preston North End this weekend.
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