The Lancashire Telegraph reports that Blackburn Rovers would likely bring up Connor O’Riordan from his loan at Cambridge United.
Around this time last year, Blackburn Rovers acquired teenage defender Connor O’Riordan from Crewe Alexandra of League Two.
He arrived having starred with the Railwaymen, where he came through the academy and developed into a key first-team player. The 21-year-old remained with Rovers for the second half of last season but to aid his development, a loan to third-tier side Cambridge United was sanctioned in the summer.
However, the Crewe-born defender has played just eight times for the League One strugglers and he’s missed out on the last four matchday squads completely. Now, as per the Lancashire Telegraph, Blackburn Rovers are set to take action in the January transfer window. They report that O’Riordan’s parent club are expected to recall him from Cambridge, just as they did with Jake Garrett after his tough stay with Bristol Rovers. It remains to be seen what the plan is for O’Riordan once he comes back to Ewood Park, but a stay at the Abbey Stadium seems highly unlikely given how the first half of the season has panned out.
After the decision to loan him to Cambridge United had no fruit to bear, they need to get the next one right. He has a bright future ahead of him as a very skilled player, and he will be keen to advance in 2025.
Although he would have few options if he stayed with Rovers, he could collaborate closely with John Eustace and company, which might position him for a spot in the starting lineup the following season.
An alternative is to take out a new loan. Since O’Riordan did not play for Blackburn before to moving to Cambridge, he would not be affected by the restriction of playing for three clubs in a season. Therefore, perhaps a fresh temporary stay is in store, presumably one that will be more successful than his U’s stay.
This month will probably see the departure of periphery players and bright young players, but Blackburn Rovers will also want to add some new players to the team.
While Hayden Carter and Scott Wharton continue their individual injury recoveries, it appears that another attacker is desired, and a center-back would be beneficial for temporary additional cover and competition.
Rovers will have a crucial month as they try to hold onto their spot in the play-off race and start 2025.
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