SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Anthony Musaba of Sheffield Wednesday celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough at Hillsborough on September 19, 2023 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Blackburn Rovers are ‘very close’ to signing Sanfrecce Hiroshima striker Yuki Ohashi Alan Nixon has said on X.
Blackburn Rovers are in dire need of some movement on the transfer front as the start of the 2024/25 Championship campaign moves closer and closer.
John Eustace narrowly led his side to safety last time around and he needs reinforcements to avoid another relegation scrap. However, only Northern Irish teenager and backup ‘keeper Jack Barrett have joined the ranks thus far.
As rumours ramp up regarding a possible Sammie Szmodics exit, the need to find a new talisman has increased further. As such, emerging rumours of a move for Japanese striker Yuki Ohashi were met with great excitement.
Now, writing on X, reporter Alan Nixon states the Blackburn Rovers swoop for the 27-year-old is now ‘very close’.
The story was first reported by journalist Marco Molla, with Nixon providing further information on his Patreon. He stated on Tuesday that the fee was not as high as the one first reported but work had begun on landing Ohashi a work permit.
Ohashi has 16 goals and three assists to his name in 27 games this season. He currently plays in the top-flight of Japan.
A new talisman
While Blackburn Rovers will ultimately hope they can retain the services of star attacker Szmodics, new goalscorers at the top of the pitch are needed.
Ohashi may well end up being a replacement for last season’s Championship top scorer. However, in the event he stays put, supplement Szmodics with some support in the form of the Japanese ace would not be an issue at all.
The reliance on Szmodics last season was bordering on dangerous. Thankfully, he kept delivering, but had he got injured or form fallen away, Rovers would have been in a dangerous spot.
Ensuring someone can help carry the burden at the top of the pitch is of the utmost importance. It will be hoped Ohashi can do just that.
Slow recruitment
There’s no hiding the recruitment has been very slow by Blackburn Rovers this summer.
The ownership situation puts those in the club hierarchy and recruitment team in a seriously tough position, as even when targets are identified and deals are lined up, there’s no telling if the goalposts are going to shift and terms need to be changed.
Hopefully, a move for Ohashi signifies the start of an upward trajectory in the transfer market. Far more additions are needed, so this has to be a starting spot.
For now though, Rovers will just be looking to get this deal over the line after several instances of collapsed transfers in windows gone by.
