Ipswich Town target Sammie Szmodics came off the bench to secure his first goal of the season in Blackburn Rovers’ Championship opener against Derby County on Friday night.
Rovers dominated for much of the first half and took a deserved lead through Tyrhys Dolan.
Curtis Nelson headed in a cross to equalise midway through the second half, but just minutes later, Andi Weimann scored on his competitive debut to put the hosts 2-1 up at Ewood Park.
Szmodics converted a low cross just minutes later, before Yuki Ohashi added a fourth for John Eustace’s men.
Kane Wilson managed to cut the deficit to two for the Rams late on, but Blackburn secured the three points in the end with a 4-2 victory.
Before the start of the season, many people tipped Rovers to be relegated, and although nothing can be ruled out at this point, their fans can take great confidence from their performance.
They were dominant at times and also broke forward well, so there are plenty of reasons for their supporters to be positive at this stage.
However, there’s one dark cloud hanging over them.
Sammie Szmodics’ situation amid Ipswich Town links
Ipswich have been heavily linked with a move for Szmodics having seen him shine during the 2023/24 season.
The two clubs have been in negotiations for the striker for weeks, but they have struggled to come to an agreement and isn’t ideal for the Tractor Boys, who will be keen to sign him as soon as possible so their squad is as strong as possible ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Blackburn boss Eustace is keen to keep hold of his star man and reiterated that wish after yesterday evening’s game against Derby.
He told the Lancashire Telegraph: “It’s not just for me but for the whole football club, if Sammie was to stay it would be a real sign of intent.
“If he stays and we can add three of four more quality players to add to the group to make us better, then we’ll have a very competitive football team.
“I’m sure it could drag on until the end of the transfer window, I’m pretty sure that will be the case. It’s about managing him and the group properly.”
Blackburn Rovers need to sort out Sammie Szmodics saga quickly
This saga may not have hindered Rovers last night, with the Lancashire outfit showing the right intensity and urgency against Paul Warne’s men, but it can’t go on forever. A resolution is needed as quickly as possible.
They may have scored four goals last night, but Derby were poor at times yesterday and Rovers will definitely face tougher tests in the coming weeks.
With this in mind, they will need someone of Szmodics’ calibre or someone similar who can unlock defences and get themselves on the scoresheet at vital times.
This is what the 28-year-old was able to do last term, registering crucial goals away at Leeds United and Leicester City to keep Rovers in the second tier.
