Blackburn's contract picture and mistake they can't repeat

With the exit of John Eustace and the subsequent arrival of Valerien Ismael, the attention has, understandably, diverted to the dugout and the top-six push. But regardless of whether Blackburn Rovers' name makes the end-of-season lottery, there are big questions about squad planning as we edge towards the summer.

Rovers' January business was with a short-term mindset. That in isolation is ok, it's usually what the winter window is for. But the larger landscape on contracts is a growing topic amongst supporters.

It has been roughly 15 months since Adam Wharton penned a new five-year contract at Ewood Park. That was the last first-team contract that Blackburn renewed; two head coaches have left since. That was the final of seven sets of terms refreshed in 2023, which has largely tided them over.

READ MORE: ISMAEL DEFENDS PAST RECORD AND OUTLINES ROVERS PARALELLS

This summer, Rovers have seven first-team players out of contract, with five loan players set to return to their parent club. That is just shy of half of their 25-man squad, a number reduced by one after Arnor Sigurdsson's early departure.

However, the bigger problem is not this summer, in my view. It is actually 2026 and the dwindling valuations of some key assets. 

If we look at the landscape for June 30, 2025, Rovers first of all have a 12-month option to extend the deals of Dom Hyam and Ryan Hedges. Ultimately, until those are formally triggered, we have to consider them out of contract. But the club have control over their futures.

The Lancashire Telegraph reported last year that Rovers had indicated they'd like to extend Hedges' terms until 2027, beyond the option year. Those talks have slowed down with the managerial upheaval but there hasn't been any indication that Rovers have had a change of heart.

Rovers have four players who all signed this season on short-term deals too. Andi Weimann and Danny Batth signed one-year deals which do not include any clauses to trigger a second season, it's understood.

The same stands for Adam Forshaw and Yuri Ribeiro, who signed six-month agreements in January. All four have made decent impacts, with some certainly exceeding expectations.

I would not be unduly concerned about these players if I was a Blackburn fan. If presented with new contracts, I would be pretty confident all of them would sign, providing the terms are appropriate. Regardless, they can kick the can down the road with Hyam and Hedges, should they wish.

Batth and Weimann, particularly, have been very useful additions. Both have, at times, been indispensable. At this point, it would make perfect sense to give both an extra year but those talks can probably wait until the summer. Ribeiro, similarly, is becoming more of a no-brainer to extend with Owen Beck returning to Liverpool.

Tyrhys Dolan's situation is entirely different. Blackburn tried to renew his terms when guided by Gregg Broughton. A contract was offered and neither rejected nor accepted. That was 12 months ago.

In the summer, Dolan, his representatives and the club sat down to discuss his future. It was indicated that the 23-year-old wanted to see out his final year and was not interested in a summer switch. Whilst a contract extension was not ruled out, it has always been likely that he'd assess his options as a free agent. Ultimately, that has come to fruition so far.

Losing Dolan would be a blow. Whilst he might frustrate fans and does not produce the impressive numbers his talent suggests he could, the squad would be stronger with him. It would be another player to replace, and one who is excellent out of possession, on his day can be a top player for the level and has 200+ appearances under his belt at 23.

Rovers are entitled to compensation if he leaves but it will not reflect market value, if he were tied down. 

The Dolan saga, which has rumbled on for 18 months, is a huge red flag when we assess the future of Lewis Travis, Sondre Tronstad and Callum Brittain. All of whom are out of contract in 2026.

In my view, alongside Hayden Carter, Travis and Brittain are two of Rovers' most sellable assets. Rival Championship clubs will notice their contract status and could be tempted to try and take them this summer.

Sheffield United were known to like Travis in the summer but did not make an offer as their takeover had not gone through. It has now.

Likewise, Brittain's standing against other league right-backs has grown. Travis and Brittain are 27 and 26 respectively, so great ages with plenty of experience at this level.

Tronstad is less of a concern because of his age. He wouldn't command the same level of transfer fee but is clearly indispensable to this team.

A valid criticism of Rovers in the last 12 months is they have not been proactive with renewals since Broughton left. For a club that must maximise value, they can not allow another Dolan-like scenario where an asset is depreciating as they enter their final 12 months.

This, for me, is a far bigger priority than anyone out of contract this summer. Only Hyam has similar standings in the squad and Rovers have far more control over that situation.

Eustace made an excellent point before departing that players have been committed to the club. Now they need to see that is a two-way street. 

Rovers can not bank on loyalty and simply hope their heads are not turned. Whatever the cost of those new deals might be, losing them for free would be far more expensive.