Blackburn Rovers “Frustrated” Over £20 Million Transfer Negotiations.
Blackburn Rovers have been left frustrated over transfer negotiations with Ipswich Town regarding star attacker Sammie Szmodics, according to BBC Sport.
The Lancashire outfit have done very little transfer business this summer. 18-year-old Aodhan Doherty from Northern Irish side Linfield and young goalkeeper Jack Barrett from Everton have been the only signings completed by the club so far, leading to frustration from the supporters.
Meanwhile, the likes of Leopold Wahlstedt, John Fleck, Kyle McFadzean and Semir Telalovic have all confirmed their departures from Ewood Park. While business has been quite quiet, Rovers still have the Szmodics saga hanging over their heads.
It was recently reported that newly-promoted Premier League side Ipswich were the latest to join the race for the Republic of Ireland international’s signature. The Tractor Boys submitted two bids for last season’s top goalscorer in the Championship but both were rejected. One of these offers was worth just £6 million.
Nevertheless, BBC Sport have now revealed that talks between Ipswich and Blackburn Rovers have continued but the latter is becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress in the negotiations which began over two weeks ago. Meanwhile, the report states that Kieran McKenna’s side are not willing to pay an inflated price for the 28-year-old, who turns 29 in September.
With John Eustace’s men preparing to face Derby County in a fortnight on the opening day of the campaign, the club want to finalise his sale. This would potentially allow Blackburn to do some much-needed business before the transfer window closes at the end of next month.
Writer’s View
It is believed that Blackburn Rovers are holding out for a fee of around £15-20 million. While this seems like a reasonable sum, following his incredible form in the previous season, certain suitors may be put off by this price tag.
Szmodics bagged 27 league goals last season which is the first time he has ever scored more than 15 so there is a risk that he is unable to replicate this form at a higher level. Furthermore, he is 29 in a few weeks, making this somewhat of a short-term deal. Despite being promoted to the Premier League, Ipswich may be watching their finances to ensure they don’t waste the riches they have recently received. Perhaps Rovers will need to drop their asking price to avoid talks collapsing altogether.
