Blackburn Rovers & Oxford United in transfer battle for 5-goal Belgian midfielder
Belgian midfielder Brian De Keersmaecker has appeared on the transfer radars of Blackburn Rovers and Oxford United.
It’s still early in the summer, with many clubs across the EFL still yet to properly get off the mark with their transfer business. Work is going on in the background, though, and the pair of Championship sides are both reportedly interested in the same player.
De Keersmaecker, Heracles Almelo’s six-foot central midfielder and captain, is on Blackburn and Oxford’s transfer agenda, according to Belgian journalist David Van den Broeck.
A 25-year-old combative midfielder that also offers a threat going forward, is a player that De Telegraaf have reported as someone that the second tier duo want to acquire over the summer period.
He started all 31 of his Dutch first division appearances last season for Heracles, netting five goals and also notching three assists, and also won the club’s Player of the Year award for 2024-25.
He was a product of Club Brugge’s academy system but has played away from his home nation and in their neighboring country for the past four years with Heracles and FC Eindhoven.
Blackburn Rovers and Oxford United both interested in Belgian midfielder
Both Van den Broeck and De Telegraaf further stated that the interest from Rovers and the U’s is concrete, and that this interest has been registered with the player.
One hurdle that the clubs may have to get over in any prospective deal for De Keersmaecker is his contract. The Belgian has another three years left on his deal with Heracles, but there is a possibility for a deal to be done, according to De Telegraaf.
Blackburn are at risk of losing their captain and consistent midfield option Lewis Travis this summer.
Football League World exclusively reported that Derby County have joined Wrexham in the battle to sign the 27-year-old this summer. He has one year left on his deal and Rovers are trying to negotiate a new deal with Travis.
Gary Rowett’s men finished 17th in the Championship last season, four points clear of the relegation zone. The two sides last met in a competitive fixture back in 2016 when they were in League Two.
It is the fourth confirmed pre-season friendly for the Stags, with fixtures arranged away to Retford United on Tuesday 8 July (7pm kick-off), Macclesfield Town (3pm, Saturday 12 July) and Matlock Town (7.30pm, Tuesday 29 July).
