Journalist Alan Myers reports that Blackburn Rovers’ lucky man Sammie Szmodics is still training with the team despite ongoing discussions over his possible move away from Ewood Park.
The 28-year-old has been given first priority by Ipswich Town as they prepare to make their 22-year Premier League comeback. Last week, Kieran McKenna’s team lost an offer of £6 million; the Lancashire team reportedly placed a £20 million price tag on the attacking midfield player’s head.
After winning the Championship Golden Boot with ease the previous season, Szmodics has gained a lot of attention. Blackburn was struggling at the bottom of the standings and just managed to avoid relegation on the last day of play. However, the Republic of Ireland international was on fire, scoring 27 goals in the league.
As a result, top division interest was anticipated, and in April, Brentford was connected to his signing. Although Sheffield United and Luton Town were mentioned as possible suitors, a transfer appeared improbable given their respective relegations.
Earlier this month, Ipswich was first to the table. Negotiations between the two clubs have been ongoing, and rumours intensified when the former Peterborough United player was absent from the friendly match against Wigan Athletic last weekend. Manager John Eustace addressed the incident in a statement following the game:
“Clubs have expressed interest and are in communication again,” he said to the Lancashire Telegraph. It’s the same kind of circumstance. I am only the team’s coach, thus I have no idea if he will stay or leave.
It has no bearing on me. He should stay, in my opinion. Talking between the two teams, there was no reason to put him at risk. We’ll see how that goes since he’s a good footballer and a very fit young man.
Over the weekend, journalist Alan Nixon made the assertion that Ipswich was preparing a bid of £8.5 million plus add-ons, which is still significantly less than Blackburn’s asking price. The Tractor Boys are eager to close the sale this week, according to the Irish Independent.
Szmodics is still training with Blackburn, but it seems like his days at Ewood Park are running out. A conclusion must be made as quickly as possible, even though it has long appeared like a formality. John Eustace will be eager to use some of the money to enhance his squad, so the last thing he wants is for this to take longer than expected to start the season.
Having saying that, Rovers should yet adhere to their principles. They are in complete control of the situation because they were astute enough to lock the player down to a new contract last year. Maintaining their high price might lead to Ipswich’s eventual departure, but that won’t concern them.
