Blackburn Rovers supporters are on the edge of frustration as their wait in the transfer window continues. More than five weeks remain before the summer market closes, but Rovers have yet to make a new addition. Moussa Baradji's loan-turned-permanent is the only business that has been conducted so far.
What happened?
The World Cup means deals were always likely to be delayed, yet most of their Championship peers have recruited to varying degrees. Finances are thought to be tight at Ewood Park, and Tony Mowbray has openly said he wants to assess what is already in the building.
Why it matters for Blackburn Rovers
Rovers don't have a reputation for recruiting quickly, even during Mowbray's previous tenure. But equally, they haven't always come off the back of a season narrowly avoiding relegation. Mowbray's interview earlier this week put words to the images that had been painted. He relayed the belief in the squad from those above him and yet highlighted the squad was weaker than that which ended last season after the exits of Sondre Tronstad, Ryan Hedges, and Eiran Cashin.
What comes next?
Undoubtedly, Rovers are a competitive team with their best XI out. The problem is, there are too many question marks about the durability of that key core. Beneath those, the standard is not high enough. There are too few proven performers at this level and very little evidence they have sufficient goal-scorers, which was a huge problem last season. Pre-season is never the time to panic, and results mean very little. But the fact Rovers ended Wednesday's 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest with Axel Henriksson up front (again) and Luca Houghton on the wing reflects the imbalance in the squad.
The impact of the transfer window
Rovers are not helped by teams around them spending a bit of cash. Sides that certainly supporters would like to think they're in the same bubble as. Stoke City, perennial bottom-half finishers, have spent a reported £8million on Ethan Galbraith. Ok, they've always had some finance behind them. In turn, Swansea have bought Elijah Just but that is reinvesting the Galbraith money. Bristol City have spent good fees on Lorent Tolaj and Sam Greenwood, whilst also adding Jed Wallace for free.
The current state of the team
Goals this season: 42 scored, 56 conceded (-14 goal difference). Title race: 43 points behind leaders Coventry. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 20th in Championship, 52 pts, 13W-13D-20L from 46 games, recent form LWDLD. Rovers are a competitive team with their best XI out, but the squad's durability and goal-scoring abilities are major concerns. The team's finances are thought to be tight, and Tony Mowbray is assessing what is already in the building.
