Last but not least on 'Summer Scouting'; we look at Blackburn Rovers' options up front.
Yuki Ohashi
Blackburn Rovers' Japanese forward has been a great addition for just a few hundred grand. The 28-year-old finished his debut season in England as Rovers' top goal-scorer.
Yuki Ohashi is an intelligent player that can play as a number nine or as a ten, though I think he's better as the former. Whilst not a 20-goal-a-season striker, he can mix his game up and scored a variety of goals last term.
When you consider the cultural elements in Ohashi's move, halfway across the globe, it's remarkable how well he's settled. He didn't speak a word of English when he arrived and had already played half a season in the J-League.
He will therefore benefit from a rest this summer, though he's currently away with Japan and made his first international start on Thursday. Still, it will be the longest break he's had for 18 months.
Ohashi could kick on even more next term, considering that. He is clearly well suited to Ismael's system as a forward who likes to press intensely. His defensive numbers are excellent.
Yuki Ohashi's defensive work rate compared to Championship equivalents. (Image: Fotmob)
The challenge is to keep him connected to the team in tough away games. Rovers need to ensure they play to his strengths and keep him in the game. When he gets an opportunity, he's usually quite reliable.
Makhtar Gueye
It took plenty of time for Makhtar Gueye to find his feet at Ewood Park after an up-and-down debut season. The forward needed until December to score his first goal, a match-winning header at Sheffield Wednesday.
Gueye is clearly an effective presence from the bench. He caused a lot of issues when brought on late in games and ended the season with six assists. His size and physique mean that he can be a handful for defenders as they tire later in the game.
As a starter, the jury is out. He went on a good run of form after Christmas where he was scoring regularly and contributing. His link-up play improved dramatically as he became more accustomed to the intensity of the division.
Gueye is very rough around the edges with his finishing. He can snatch at chances and his technique sometimes looks clumsy. He strikes me as a confidence-based player and so he can go from world-beater to League One in a matter of a month.
He finished the season playing second fiddle to Ohashi with Ismael preferring the Japanese forward, who does seem a more natural fit for his style. Hopefully, in his second year in England, he can bring more consistency.
Harry Leonard
It's been a desperately frustrating period for Harry Leonard, who has lost 18 months of his career due to injury. Two back issues, either side of a dislocated shoulder, has stunted his development.
John Eustace never got an opportunity to really use him. Jon Dahl Tomasson was impressed after drip feeding him into the team.
I think Leonard will suit Ismael's style pretty well. He's a good presser and his link-up play is as good as anyone's at the club. The challenge has to be keeping him fit, after three rather weird injuries.
The hope is that the Rovers Academy forward will be fit and available for day one of pre-season. If he can impressed in the off-season, he might get an opportunity.
Looking from within
Igor Tyjon will be part of Rovers' pre-season squad as he looks to make the next jump with the first-team.
Ismael has earmarked him and Kristi Montgomery as the two Rovers players that could breakthrough next season. With Premier League clubs interested in Tyjon, more opportunities could convince him to sign a first pro deal.
Joe Boggan played regularly for the Under-23s last term, scoring four times in nine appearances. His next step will clearly be a loan for a first taste of men's football.
Exauce Mafoumbi signed last summer but only scored once for Mike Sheron's side. He then moved on loan to Belgian second-tier side Lierse SK in the January window. He's not ready to be competing in the Rovers first team yet either.
Do Blackburn Rovers need to sign a striker?
Yes, absolutely. Though they're not that light in numbers, they need an injection of goals into the team.
Nobody knows what contribution Leonard will be able to make next season. Rovers need to sign more Championship pedigree up front to support Ohashi and Gueye. Especially if Andi Weimann does depart.
Head of Football Operations, Rudy Gestede, suggested they would try and add more firepower to the front line. Having signed Cauley Woodrow and Emmanuel Dennis, who have both returned to their parent club, it's clear Rovers know it's an area that must be bolstered.
Only Millwall were lower scorers than Rovers in the Championship's top ten last season. Three more teams also netted more often than Blackburn.
Who could they sign?
Premium: Rovers went after Brandon Thomas-Asante in January though that was primarily a John Eustace target. I'd be surprised if they went back in for him.
Mateo Joseph would be one of the most sought-after strikers in the Championship if he became available. The Leeds United loanee might be sent out for regular football if the Whites, as expected, go big in the transfer market and sign a striker.
That would be a loan but given the likely competition, it could be an expensive one.
Of those from relegated sides, Callum Robinson and Carlton Morris have their benefits but aren't 'wow' additions either.
Loan: It remains to be seen whether Ipswich Town will sign one or two strikers next season after selling Liam Delap to Chelsea.
They have George Hirst, who will stay and Ali Al-Hamadi, who finished last season at Stoke City. I quite like the former AFC Wimbledon striker, who scored against Rovers in March.
He's got good speed and physique, which is a unique combination. He's still a bit rough around the edges because he hasn't played loads of Championship football.
If he was available on loan or even for a respectable fee, I'd be quite keen for Rovers to sign and develop him.
Will Lankshear is another that had a first taste of Championship football at West Brom. He didn't score for the Baggies but is highly thought of. Newcastle United's Will Osula might be allowed out on loan with them in the Champions League and that would be a player Rovers should push for.
Free: He might already have Lancashire connections but Emil Riis is the obvious standout name for free-agent forwards. In all truth, I doubt a move to Rovers would appeal any more than staying at Preston would have.
Nakhi Wells always scores against Rovers so signing him for that purpose alone might be worth it. Otherwise, it's slim pickings across the Championship and those that could be attainable from the top flight.
Signing centre-forwards is always the hardest thing to do because of the demand and little supply line. That's why loans are prevalent and Rovers went to Belgium and Japan last summer.
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