Blackburn Rovers have turned down numerous proposals from Ipswich Town for Sammie Szmodics, the Championship’s top scorer last season.
The East Anglian Daily Times stated that the Premier League newcomers began their bids at roughly £6 million, with Rovers expected to bid closer to £20 million.
According to some reports, the two parties are moving closer to reaching an agreement, but it is unclear whether that final middle ground can be achieved.
Pundit and former England international Carlton Palmer has spoken out about the current situation.
Top strikers cost big money, says Palmer
The former Sheffield Wednesday player feels Ipswich must increase their offer if they hope to get Smzodics to Portman Road.
Palmer told Football League World that Blackburn Rovers had rejected numerous proposals from Ipswich Town for Republic of Ireland forward Sammie Szmodics.
“The latest bid, believed to be around £6million has been rejected. Ipswich remain in talks with Blackburn Rovers over last season’s Championship top scorer. An agreement is believed to be getting closer.
“The 28-year-old has been open about his desire to play in the Premier League after scoring 33 goals in 2023/24, including 27 in the league.
“He signed a deal until 2026, so Blackburn are in a strong position.
“Galatasaray have also been interested in the former Peterborough and Bristol City forward.
“Ipswich are preparing for their first season in the Premier League. They’ve already signed Liam Delap for £20million. They’ve brought in Omari Hutchinson, Ben Johnson, Jacob Greaves. But they missed out on Jaden Philogene who rejoined Aston Villa.
“So, they’re desperate to bring in somebody like Sammie Szmodics. But, you know, at 28 I’m sure Blackburn will sell.
“But they’ve got to get the money in. For a striker, you know, at that level, you’re still going to pay big money and, you know, you look at Blackburn, how close Blackburn were to getting relegated last season, 27 league goals is a lot to replace.
“So, they must have a figure for him. I would think the figure’s going to be in excess of £10m to get him out, plus add-ons. This could help John Eustace, if he’s given the money to rebuild to help the club not be in the position they were in last season.”
Blackburn need to make Szmodics sale worth their while
As Palmer explains, Rovers were perilously close to relegation last season, ending only three points above the relegation zone.
Szmodics was by far the most dominant player at Ewood Park, scoring 27 goals. The club’s next-best scorer managed only five. It’s astonishing that the Republic of Ireland international scored so many goals in a struggling team, but with such close margins in the league table, it’s also worth considering what the Lancashire side’s fate might have been without him.
At 28 years old, Szmodics may never play in the Premier League again, and given their current position, Blackburn should not refuse him the opportunity, but they must ensure that the transaction works for them.
Without the forward’s heroics, relegation was almost certainly on the cards. Being so dependant on one player for goals will make him difficult to replace, therefore they must obtain as much as they can for him to have a chance of supporting replacements.
Szmodic’s future away from Ewood Park appears inevitable, but Blackburn must still try to make the most of the circumstances.
