De Neve on Blackburn move, Ismael talks and transfer wait

The Belgian winger became Rovers' first summer signing on Tuesday, penning a three-year deal at Ewood Park, with the option of another 12 months. Rovers are understood to have paid a six-figure fee for the versatile left-sider.

De Neve has been someone on Rovers' shopping list for a number of months despite news of their interest only being uncovered this week. The club had multiple offers knocked back but were determined to sign a player who they feel will complement Valerian Ismael's style of football.

It is a step into the unknown for Neve having previously played all his football in his home country. But it's a journey he's very excited to be taking on.

READ MORE: Pace, a point to prove and what Blackburn Rovers will get from Dion De Neve

"I'm thrilled, I look forward to it," De Neve told RoversTV.

"From the first moment we had contact, I could already seeing me playing for the club, so I'm very excited to be here.

"I first heard, I think, three months ago, but it was like, it's not possible. But now I'm sitting here right now, so, yeah, I'm very excited.

"I was very stressed, I couldn't sleep the whole week. Once I got here, the stress just went away. "It's the first time I've been out of Belgium to play, and it's England, so I'm really excited.

£Honestly, I knew quite a bit about the club. I knew they played in the Premier League, they won the Premier League. Alan Shearer is still the top scorer in the Premier League, so I knew.

"But then when the interest came, I started looking more into details, like the stadium and other details."

Playing in England was a big draw for De Neve, who felt the time was right for a fresh chapter after Kortrijk were relegated from the Pro League last term.

Rovers are the third club of a relatively young career. There will be an adaptation period as he acclimatises to English football but De Neve is confident he can make the step up.

"When you look at the big clubs, it's in the Premier League. So if you can go to the championship level, it's a really big step for me," he admitted.

"Since I was a child, I always wanted to be a pro player. So I signed pro in Belgium, and now I can take a step to England. So, yeah, it's a dream come true.

"I've been at my old club for three years and I think the moment was right to make the next step. The level is really high here, it's tougher than the Belgian league, so it's a really good challenge for me. I will be fine physically, running, everything's fine, but the duels, I have to work harder.

"I think everything will be all right if I work hard. I always had a good affection with the fans, so I can't wait to meet them, and also it's English football, the fans enjoy more the football, so I can't wait. The passion, the noise, all that.

Ismael has repeatedly stressed the importance of Rovers doing their business early in the transfer window. Whilst having 90% of his squad in place by pre-season was a tad unrealistic, this is at least a start in reshaping the squad for August.

Rovers are expected to return for pre-season testing in a little over two weeks. The two weeks they'll have on the training pitch before starting friendlies against Accrington Stanley will be vital.

De Neve is pleased that he has time on his side to acclimatise to his new team-mates, a different country and Ismael's tactical instructions.

As a winger who bases his game on high-intensity sprints and speed, he is the profile of player the head coach wants in his side.

"I'm a winger, a really hard-working winger. I always give everything for the team. Even if it's 60 minutes, I work 60 minutes," he said on his favoured role.

"If it's 90 minutes, I work 90 minutes. I don't come off until I'm dead. You enjoy more the attacking side, but the defensive is also important, so you have to enjoy it too. So I will enjoy them both.

"For me, it's very important that I can start pre-season straight away from the first day, so I can get to know the new players. It takes some time to adapt, but I think after pre-season, the time will be good.

"I've had a meeting once (with Ismael) and he explained everything, what he accepts from his players, so, yeah. After the meeting I was excited.

"He compared my statistics with the sprints, and he wants the wingers to always put pressure and run, run, run, until they're finished, and this is my way of playing."