Alfie Gilchrist in: Blackburn Rovers' dream XI for next season ft 4 realistic new signings | OneFootball

There will be plenty of work to do for Blackburn Rovers over the course of the summer transfer window.

This season saw the Ewood Park club only narrowly avoid relegation from the Championship on the final day of the campaign, with a 2-0 win over title winners Leicester City.

Defeat in that match would have seen them relegated, and they can ill afford to have a repeat of such a close call again.

To avoid that, they will surely have to strengthen their squad in the coming months, to ensure they have a starting XI to open the campaign, that is more capable of pushing them up the table.

So with that in mind, we've taken a look at what Blackburn Rovers' ideal starting lineup for the first game of the season on the 10th August might be, right here.

Goalkeeper: John Ruddy

The club's two first choice goalkeepers, Aynsley Pears and Leo Wahlstedt, both made a number of costly errors this season, and so a new option may be needed between the posts.

Blackburn have been linked with John Ruddy, a move that would reunite the veteran goalkeeper with head coach John Eustace, and he could be available on a free transfer with his Birmingham contract expiring this summer.

Left-Back: Harry Pickering

Rovers' standout option at left-back amid a lack of other options in that position, Pickering is a more than reliable presence on that side of the defence.

With several years remaining on his contract at Ewood Park as well, there should be little concern about losing him this summer either.

Centre Back: Alfie Gilchrist

With Scott Wharton set to miss much of next season through injury, and it still to be seen if Kyle McFadzean will sign a new contract, Blackburn do need some central defensive reinforcements.

They have been credited with an interest in a loan move for Chelsea's Alfie Gilchrist. Having looked solid for the Blues in the Premier League this season, he could surely do a job in the Championship, and it would be a coup amid links with second-tier rivals such as Leeds United and Preston North End.

Centre Back: Dom Hyam

Admittedly, Hyam's second season at Ewood Park was some way from the huge success that his debut campaign in Lancashire was.

But if he can rediscover the form he showed for Rovers in the 2022/23 campaign, then he can be among the most reliable defenders at this level, which would make him a major asset for Eustace's side again.

Right-Back: Callum Brittain

For the most part, Brittain was one of Blackburn's most consistently reliable performers last season, so they should be confident about starting the campaign with him still in the starting XI.

Indeed, a lack of alternative natural and senior options in that position may also aid his cause in that battle for a place in the side.

Centre Midfield: Sondre Tronstad

Arriving on a free transfer from Vitesse Arnhem last summer, Tronstad was one of the big success stories at Ewood Park last season.

Quickly becoming a popular figure around the club, his experience, leadership, and ability to defend the backline behind him, mean he will surely ought to be a starter again going into next season.

Centre Midfield: Joe Rankin-Costello

Rankin-Costello ended the season in a central midfield role that he would seemingly prefer to play in, than the right-back position he has often been used in previously.

Given he was arguably Blackburn's most solid partner for Tronstad when played in that role late last season, it could well make sense to keep him there for the start of the new campaign.

Left-Wing: Tyrhys Dolan

Rovers have had to trigger their option to extend Dolan's contract by 12 months to ensure he does not have to leave for free this summer, amid some speculation around his future.

As a result, they will no doubt be keen to see the dangerous attacker in their starting lineup once the season begins, given it would likely mean that he has put that uncertainty to one side and comitted his future to the club by signing a new longer-term contract.

Attacking Midfield: Sammie Szmodics

It is almost certain that Blackburn would be preparing for life in League One now, were it not for the goals of Sammie Szmodics last season.

Finding the net 33 times in all competitions - ending the campaign as top scorer in both the Championship and FA Cup - it is no surprise that rumours of interest in the 28-year-old from elsewhere have already started to emerge. As a result, his goalscoring importance to the side obviously means it would be a huge boost to Blackburn to have him starting for them on the opening day of the campaign.

Right-Wing: Franco Umeh-Chibueze

With Ryan Hedges and Arnor Sigurdsson hampered by injuries, and Dilan Markanday yet to fully claim a place in the side, a new wide option may be needed next season.

That could be Crystal Palace's Franco Umeh-Chibueze, who has enjoyed an impressive season at youth level, and has been linked with a loan move to Blackburn, where he may be able to make an impact in the Championship. Given the connection between the two clubs following the winter sale of Adam Wharton, this may be a deal they are able to work out an agreement for as well.

Centre Forward: Theo Bair

Given their reliance on Szmodics last season, Rovers will likely need a greater impact in front of goal from whoever is leading the line at centre forward next season, and that could be a new signing.

They have been linked with a move for Motherwell striker Theo Bair this summer, along with Championship rivals Bristol City. The Canadian scored 15 goals for the Scottish Premiership side this season so could lead the line well. With two Blackburn players - Jack Vale and Georgie Gent - having spent time on loan with Motherwell in that period, the Ewood Park club could also try and use those links to their advantage in an attempt to get this deal done.