Blackburn Rovers backed John Eustace in the summer transfer window and it has paid off well.
Many anticipated that the Lancashire outfit would really struggle in the Championship this season, especially after losing Sammie Szmodics. However, Ewood Park has been a fortress and Rovers have been playing some good stuff, leaving them 6th in the table after 12 league games.
They won’t be looking to rest on their laurels though, and the January window is a great opportunity to prove they won’t be doing so. There are a few areas that could do with bolstering, and one area crying out for a bit of change is the trio behind the striker.
Blackburn Rovers have ample options out wide and in attacking midfield but some real pace is needed. New target Kwame Poku offers that in spathes, and he could be the long-term upgrade on Tyrhys Dolan.
Dolan uncertainty
There have been doubts over Dolan’s future for some time and amid continued speculation over his contract situation, the newest reports on the matter stated no progress had been made in talks and a 2025 exit was becoming increasingly likely.
That does present a blow for Blackburn Rovers. Dolan might not have kicked on quite as much as hoped, but he’s a bright talent, a good financial asset and a mainstay in the starting XI.
Dolan has played much of his football out on the right but has mainly played in behind the striker this season, usually being Makhtar Gueye or Yuki Ohashi.
Peterborough United star Poku, who was linked over the weekend, has starred in both of those roles. He has seven goals and five assists in 15 games this season and with his deal up next summer, seems destined for a move away next year.
It’s no wonder he’s alerted Rovers amid a need for pace and doubts over Dolan’s future, and he could be the ideal replacement and an upgrade on the latter.
Unlikely to be alone
A Blackburn Rovers deal for Poku seems ideal for all parties. However, it also seems highly unlikely that they are the only club taking note of the Ghanaian star’s form and contract situation with the Posh.
The 23-year-old has tasted Championship action before but was a developing youngster at the time. His game has refined and now along with his tricky dribbling and electric pace, he has a composure and technical ability that has given him a great end product, both in terms of scoring and creating.
It makes him the ideal candidate for a starting role in Eustace’s attack but there are countless clubs who will view this as something they want to add to their side.
A fight for Poku’s signature seems highly likely, to Blackburn Rovers would be wise to go in strong and early in a bid to land their Dolan replacement.
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