Dolan’s Blackburn contract latest after ‘priority’ claim
Blackburn Rovers have made no further progress with renewing Tyrhys Dolan’s contract, The Lancashire Telegraph understands.
The 22-year-old’s terms expire in the summer of 2025 and he looks increasingly likely to assess his options as a free agent. Rovers would be entitled to compensation if Dolan left for nothing due to his age.
Rovers first opened discussions with Dolan 12 months ago under Gregg Broughton’s stewardship. However, those negotiations were shelved after their first offer was rejected with Dolan sustaining a knee injury that ruled him out for two months.
By the time Dolan returned, the club were entrenched in a relegation battle and so the focus was firmly on staying in the Championship. There was also a change of head coach.
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As the LT reported at the time, Dolan and his representatives then held talks with Rovers in the summer. It was agreed that the player would remain at the club in the final year of his deal and the situation would be assessed as the campaign played out.
However, Head of Football Operations, Rudy Gestede, told the fans’ forum on September 16 that ‘restarting talks with Dolan was a priority’.
Yet the LT understands no further contact has been made to reopen those discussions. As things stand, Dolan remains more likely to leave Blackburn Rovers than extend beyond 2025.
That said, the 22-year-old has repeatedly spoken about his love for the football club. At no point has Dolan expressed a desire to leave before his deal ends despite tentative links with other clubs.
In a recent interview with local media, he said: “The manager for me, personally, has been fantastic and he’s put a lot of confidence in me.
“I am really enjoying my football, more than ever. I am really happy and playing with freedom, no pressure and it’s great.”
Whenever he has been asked directly about his contract, he has reiterated he’s focusing on his football and allowing those above him to iron that out.
Rovers were incredibly proactive at contract renewals under Broughton but haven’t signed any existing players to new deals in 2024. The last player to sign a contract extension was Adam Wharton in December last year.
Dolan is quite clearly the biggest priority for Rovers on this front. Arnor Sigurdsson is the only other senior, first-team player out of contract next summer, who doesn’t have a 12-month option. Dom Hyam and Ryan Hedges are among those who fall under that optional bracket.
At no stage has a new deal been ruled out for Dolan but it’s clear that some considerable work needs to be done to reach a positive outcome.
Blackburn are in a better financial position than when they made their first offer and that could be a benefit. Equally, if Rovers continue their fine start to the season, that could entice the player to commit his future.
However, at the fans’ forum on September 16, CEO Steve Waggott outlined Rovers’ struct wage structure and that the club ‘would not overpay for any player’.
