Blackburn Rovers midfielder Axel Henriksson is set to complete a loan move to Danish Superliga club Randers FC. The 24-year-old Swede will join with an option for a permanent transfer, ending his challenging time at Ewood Park. The72 reported the deal this week as the Championship side looks to reshape its squad before the window closes.
Tony Mowbray's team currently sit 6th in the Championship table with four points from their opening two games. They have scored four goals and conceded three, with striker A. Guðjohnsen leading the line with two goals. Their next test is a home match against 5th-placed QPR on 29 August, a key early-season fixture you can view on our fixtures page.
Why did Axel Henriksson struggle at Blackburn?
Axel Henriksson joined Blackburn Rovers from Swedish club GAIS but never settled into a consistent role. He arrived with a reputation for goal threat from midfield, honed during his successful spell in Sweden. At Rovers, however, he worked under three different managers in Valerien Ismael, Michael O'Neill, and the current boss Tony Mowbray. Each had a different vision, and Henriksson was never clear on his best position within their systems.
This uncertainty led to him falling out of the picture entirely under Mowbray. His departure has felt like a possibility all summer, and the door finally opened for an exit. The72 said: "Henriksson’s departure has felt like a possibility all summer, but after the door opened for him to move out, it hasn’t taken him long to find a deal."
What does the Randers deal mean for Blackburn?
The move to Randers is structured as a loan with an option for the Danish club to buy. Blackburn Rovers will not receive an upfront fee from the loan arrangement. The exit does, however, free up a portion of the wage budget and creates a valuable place in the senior squad. This room could be important as the club seeks further reinforcements before the transfer deadline in less than a week.
Rovers are actively working in the market, having already signed winger Jayden Fevrier. Questions remain in other areas, with Augustus Kargbo absent from the squad and doubts over whether Dion De Neve can deliver at this level. There is also potential movement in goal, with Balazs Toth linked to Celtic. You can track the evolving squad composition on our dedicated squad page.
How does this affect Rovers' season plans?
Henriksson's departure is seen as a move that suits all parties, allowing the player a fresh start and the club greater flexibility. For Blackburn, the immediate focus is maintaining their positive early-season form. They are just two points behind league leaders Millwall and have a positive goal difference. Freeing up squad and financial resources is a direct response to the need for more signings before the window shuts.
The club's recruitment team now has a clearer picture of the resources available for final moves. The Championship is a demanding league, and depth is essential for the long campaign ahead. Supporters can follow the team's progress up the table via our standings section. With the next match fast approaching, Mowbray will be keen to integrate any new arrivals quickly to build on a solid start.
