Championship rivals leading the chase for Blackburn Rovers ace Tyrhys Dolan, talks have been held already
Blackburn Rovers’ season is over with the club narrowly missing out on the play-offs, and they now look like they’ll lose Tyrhys Dolan to a Championship rival this summer.
It was an odd season for Blackburn, who started so strongly under John Eustace and looked nailed on for a spot in the Championship play-offs.
However, when Eustace jumped ship and joined Derby County, Rovers endured a rough transition under Valerien Ismael and slipped down the table rapidly.
A resurgence in recent weeks saw Blackburn on the brink of grabbing a top six berth on the final day of the season, but a draw to Sheffield United ultimately saw them miss out.
It’s another year in the Championship for Rovers, then, but they’ll have to do it all without star man, Tyrhys Dolan, who will leave on a free transfer this summer.
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Middlesbrough lead the way in Tyrhys Dolan race
EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal via information from transfer expert Graeme Bailey, that Dolan, who is out of contract next month, is being courted by a number of clubs, but we understand it is Middlesbrough who are currently winning the race for his signature.
We are told Dolan will indeed move on at the end of his contract, and the highly-talented winger has already held talks with Boro chiefs about a potential switch.
Other clubs are keen, of course, but Middlesbrough are thought to be eager to get ahead of their rivals in the transfer market this summer to make up for the disappointment of missing out on the play-offs themselves.
We still don’t know for sure what will happen to Michael Carrick, whose future is in doubt, but Middlesbrough are nevertheless wanting to add more options to their squad, particularly in the wide areas, and Dolan fits the bill.
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Tyrhys Dolan is a star performer for Blackburn Rovers
The signs have been there for Dolan’s departure already. Teammate Todd Cantwell hinted Dolan would move on through his Instagram recently, and Valerien Ismael admitted he’s worried about losing the player, too.
They’re right to be concerned, too. Dolan registered seven goals and six assists for Blackburn this term and was by far Rovers’ most dangerous and creative player across the campaign.
The former Manchester City academy star has stepped up to become one of the best players in the Championship this year, and at just 23-years-old, there’s so much more he can give, too.
Blackburn will certainly feel the loss, and given the situation behind the scenes at Ewood Park, it will be interesting to see if and how they can replace such a key player.
Blackburn Rovers ace is ‘confident’ for Sheffield United visit despite barren 21-year Bramall Lane record
Blackburn Rovers need to take three points against Sheffield United on the Championship final day to secure a play-off place despite their worrying Bramall Lane record.
Blackburn Rovers visit Sheffield United on the 2024/25 Championship final day on Saturday with a spot in the second tier play-offs on the line.
Valerien Ismael’s side have enjoyed an impressive purple patch of late, winning four on the spin heading into Saturday, sitting just outside of the play-off pack ahead of the final day hurdle.
Chris Wilder’s third-place side is hoping to spoil their play-off potential as the Blades boss eyes a record-breaking end to their regular season.
Ahead of the final day clash, Rovers ace Yuri Ribeiro has admitted the Sheffield United visit is “like a final”.
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Blackburn Rovers ace Yuri Ribeiro admits clash vs Sheffield United is “like a final”
Blackburn’s Championship final day permutations mean they head into the Sheffield United visit with just a projected 12 percent chance of securing a play-off position from the OPTA analysts’ predictions.
Ismael’s side must beat the Blades, and hope for fellow top-six hopefuls Bristol City, Coventry and Millwall to draw their respective games against Preston North End, Middlesbrough and Burnley.
Ahead of the Bramall Lane visit, left-back Ribeiro told Rovers.co.uk: “We’re in a really good mood having won four games in a row,
“We’re confident and we know what to do. We have some really experienced guys in the team and I think we can really enjoy this game.
“The fans will be with us, I know that, and we’re really confident.
“I really like these kinds of games that can decide something. It’s like a final and the aim is to win.”
