Blackburn Rovers' shopping list ahead of transfer exits

Blackburn Rovers have made two signings this summer. <i>(Image: CameraSport)</i>
Blackburn Rovers have made two signings this summer. (Image: CameraSport)
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Blackburn Rovers still have plenty to do in the transfer market with five days of the window left.

Jayden Fevrier and Sam Morsy are Tony Mowbray's only signings in a quiet summer for Rovers.

Despite narrowly avoiding relegation, Rovers have kept more continuity than expected at Ewood Park, with tight finances limiting movement in both directions.

That should change in the coming days, with Mowbray keen to trim his bloated squad and make room for new faces.

George Pratt, Connor O'Riordan (now confirmed) and Axel Henriksson all have moves lined up. Each would have needed to be registered to play in the Championship post-deadline and so that opens up some room on the squad list.

O'Riordan needs to play, and a loan to Barnsley with an option to buy suits everyone: he is down the pecking order, has not featured under Mowbray and needs a fresh start.

Pratt is another who will benefit from a full season in League One. He is perhaps fifth choice when everyone is fit and at 22, doesn't want his development to be stunted.

Whilst I agree with sanctioning the deals for both players, I do wonder if it leaves Rovers light at centre-back. Normally, four players in that position would be the perfect amount.

But when you consider the personnel in Rovers' quartet of defenders, I am a little anxious. Hayden Carter and Scott Wharton's injury records are well known, whilst Tom Atcheson is only 19.

It puts a lot of pressure on the teenager and Sean McLoughlin, whose availability has been phenomenal since signing. He featured 43 times in the Championship last term and Rovers would be banking on a similar number of appearances with only those four as centre-back picks.

(Image: CameraSport - Andrew Kearns)

They also have Lewis Miller but he won't be available until Christmas. He will also need time and patience to come up to speed and I don't think much can be expected of him this season. Anything he can contribute is a bonus.

With all that said, I think there is an argument for Rovers to sign another centre-back. Either a loan or someone on a one-year deal, perhaps.

I did wonder whether that might be a degree of sensibility in talking to Darragh Lenihan, who is out of contract and was at Ewood Park in midweek, receiving his Honour Cap.

Someone of that ilk might provide experienced back-up in the mould of Danny Batth, should Carter and Wharton struggle with fitness. That is purely speculation on my part.

Further forward, I would still like them to sign another central midfielder. That might not happen unless Sidnei Tavares moves on.

There have been whispers of interest from Poland and Portugal but nothing clear-cut yet. The timing of his illness this week could be viewed as suspicious, though it may be genuine. He also missed the final pre-season game at Huddersfield Town with a similar issue.

Kristi Montgomery's strong start to the season perhaps eases some of the concerns about central midfield. Having held reservations, he has been excellent against Wolves and Middlesbrough.

Sam Morsy has started well and Moussa Baradji is still to return. I think most supporters would like another player in there but it's perhaps not the absolute necessity it once felt.

Henriksson's imminent departure is for the best. I don't think there is much argument that he proved not to be at the level. He was a hard worker and did get shoved around a lot last season but never convinced.

That frees up space to sign another player across the supporting three. Ryoya Morishita's ability to play in any of those positions means Rovers have some flexibility in the profile they opt for.

It would be a surprise to me if a talented Premier League youngster didn't arrive on loan before the window shuts. Considering all the noise Mowbray has made about that market, and his qualities to develop young players, it feels like an obvious route to follow.

Up front, much depends on the hamstring injuries sustained by Yuki Ohashi and Mathias Jorgensen. Ordinarily, three strikers for a 4-2-3-1 shape would be adequate but if either is a long-term issue, then they might be forced into the market.

(Image: CameraSport - Lee Parker)

So on my recruitment list, I've got an attacking midfielder/wide player. Less formally known as a player with 'magic in his boots'.

A centre-back to plug a gap. Either somebody on a loan deal or an older head with experience, just in case. After last season, you can never be too safe.

I would love to see another central midfielder, but I'm sceptical about whether that materialises. That perhaps depends on whether there is another exit in that department.

Finally, a striker, should they need one. I'm perfectly comfortable with the current trio but if one is absent for a significant period, they suddenly look very light.

Rovers' late-window dash means they might find a good deals with few yellow stickers on but they'll have to be quick. The shops shut soon.

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