Ex-Blackburn Rovers man finds club after successful trial

Leo Duru left Blackburn Rovers in the summer. <i>(Image: CameraSport - Ian Cook)</i>
Leo Duru left Blackburn Rovers in the summer. (Image: CameraSport - Ian Cook)
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Carlisle United are set to sign ex-Blackburn Rovers talent Leo Duru after he impressed on trial.

The right-back was released by Rovers in the summer having previously impressed during John Eustace's tenure. Duru made his first-team debut against Burnley at the start of 2024/25 and also impressed in a Carabao Cup defeat to Blackpool.

Since, he's fallen out of favour and spent last season in Major League Soccer. The USA Under-20 international is now on the search for a new club.

That looks like it will be National League side Carlisle United. Duru has been training with United since the start of pre-season and impressed again during theitr 4-2 win over Darlington on Tuesday.

After that, boss Rob Elliot suggested he's done enough to earn a permanent stay at Brunton Park.

“We can't name anyone, but I think it's quite obvious to say that we're working on a deal, and hopefully we'll have some good news soon on that,” Elliot told the News & Star.

“The lad's come in and done really well, and there's credit there to [recruitment analyst] Jakey Blain, because he highlighted him and said he was someone to look at – and he's been superb.

“When you can get someone in like this – whether it’s a trialist who’s been monitored for a while, or it’s one of the young lads – and they suit the style of play, it’s an added bonus.”

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