4 perfect Sam Gallagher replacements Blackburn Rovers must consider if he leaves in the summer | OneFootball

Highlights

The future of Sam Gallagher at Blackburn Rovers is uncertain.

The forward’s current contract is set to expire at the end of this season, but the Lancashire outfit hold an option to extend it by a further 12 months.

However, he was subject to transfer speculation during the January transfer window, meaning his departure in the summer is still a possibility.

Ipswich Town were heavily linked with the 28-year-old, but a deal between the two clubs could not be reached.

Amid this uncertainty over the forward’s future, we take a look at four potential replacements for Gallagher that Blackburn must consider ahead of the summer window…

Devante Cole

Cole’s contract with Barnsley is set to expire at the end of this season, meaning he will be a free agent in the summer unless a new deal is agreed.

This could be an opportunity for Rovers to come in and bolster their attacking options without paying a substantial transfer fee.

It is likely they would face competition in the race to sign the 28-year-old, with the likes of Middlesbrough and Bristol City having been previously linked with a move for Cole.

The forward has contributed 17 goals and three assists in League One this year, with the Tykes fighting for promotion to the Championship.

He could be the added attacking threat this team needs to maintain its competitiveness should Gallagher leave in the summer.

Mark O’Mahony

Blackburn have enjoyed great success by securing loan moves from Brighton in the past, with Jan Paul van Hecke joining the team previously and Andy Moran currently in the side.

Another bright young player coming through the ranks of the Premier League side is O’Mahony, who is closing in on a breakthrough into senior football.

The Irishman has scored eight goals in nine appearances in the Premier League 2, and has been chosen on the bench in Roberto de Zerbi’s first team squad.

Given the attacking talent at Brighton already, perhaps a loan move to the Championship could be what the 19-year-old needs to get senior level experience.

If Brighton are open to a temporary exit, then Blackburn should be eyeing a move for the exciting youngster.

Joe Gelhardt

Gelhardt has struggled for game time since returning to Leeds United in the summer, featuring just seven times in the Championship this season.

However, his loan stint at Sunderland last year showed that he has plenty to offer to a side competing at this level.

He contributed three goals and three assists in 18 appearances for the Black Cats, and helped the team earn a top six finish, at the expense of Blackburn.

If the Whites are open to a sale, whether permanent or temporary, then Rovers should be weighing up an offer.

Liam Cullen

Blackburn were previously linked with a move for Cullen earlier this season, but a deal has not come to fruition.

The Swansea City forward is out of contract at the end of the campaign, and could be signed as a free agent.

Given their previous interest in the 24-year-old, a move this summer could very well be on the cards.

It may yet depend on the future of Gallagher, but if he were to depart then the Welshman could be a smart solution to replacing him.