Jalil Saadi is targeting first-team football, whether that be at Rovers or out on loan, after signing a new deal.

Saadi has agreed a new two-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months, having played 15 times for the Under-23s last season.

The 20-year-old has had an injury-hit time of things since signing professional terms two years ago, having first arrived at the club from Toulouse in 2018.

The Moroccan youth international, predominantly a centre back but able to play in midfield, is now targeting regular first-team football in a bid to boost his experience.

Rovers have taken the option of loaning out players of similar age, so Saadi could well get his wish this summer.

But he’s delighted to have agreed a new deal with the club, following Isaac Whitehall in penning fresh terms.

He said: “I’m really happy to sign a new deal with Blackburn Rovers.

“It shows that the club wants me to stay and it gives me a chance to be a part of the future. With the new gaffer coming in, it’s a new start for me to show what I can do and hopefully I can get into the first team.

“I’ve been playing Under-23s football for three years now, so I feel like now is the right time for me to push on and go to the next level. Hopefully that’s with the first team here, but if not then maybe go on loan and try to play some first team football elsewhere.

“Playing first team football this season is the goal for me and I’m excited by that challenge. I’m at the age now, 20 years old, where I need to push on and work hard to play men’s football.

“This season is a big challenge for me. Hopefully I can impress and we’ll see what happens.”

Saadi has now played 34 times for Rovers in Premier League 2, and he finished the 2021/22 campaign in the side, as Mike Sheron’s side signed off with seven wins in their final 10 matches.