Blackburn Rovers are preparing to offer talisman Sammie Szmodics an improved contract in order to fend off interest from Ipswich Town, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
News emerged yesterday that the Tractor Boys were attempting to prise the 28-year-old away from Ewood Park. TWTD claimed that talks had begun over a potential £6 million deal as Kieran McKenna continues to bolster his squad ahead of their Premier League return.
Szmodics has become hot property after his goal scoring antics of last season. He hit 33 goals in all competitions, including 27 in the Championship to take home the division’s Golden Boot. This came in spite of Rovers’ struggles, where they narrowly avoided relegation with a final day victory over champions Leicester City.
With the Republic of Ireland international’s form reaching new heights, Blackburn were smart enough to extend his existing deal last November until 2026, with the option of an additional 12 months. This gave them a bit of extra protection when it came to any potential future sale.
The Lancashire club landed the attacking midfielder for a fee of £1.8 million from Peterborough United in 2022, meaning they do stand to make a significant profit should he make the switch to Suffolk. However, he is still seen as pivotal to John Eustace’s side, who are targeting a more successful campaign next season.
According to Nixon, the 1995 Premier League champions will attempt one last roll of the dice by offering Szmodics another improved contract. It is claimed that the money raised from the sales of Leopold Wahlstedt and Semir Telalovic has given them the ability to make the offer.
Despite that, Blackburn are looking for a quick resolution and will reluctantly sanction a sale if fresh terms cannot be agreed. Nixon concludes that the player is valued by the club at between £15 – 20 million, significantly more than the offer that is currently on the table from Ipswich.
