Football League World
·2 August 2025
Blackburn Rovers face battle to retain star with 14 goal contributions as transfer interest emerges

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·2 August 2025
Blackburn striker Makhtar Gueye is attracting interest from Al-Wahda SC as they prepare to offer the striker a three-year deal.
Blackburn’s Makhtar Gueye is a target for Al-Wahda SC, with the UAE club ready to offer the striker a three-year deal to leave Ewood Park.
The 27-year-old only joined Rovers from RWDM Brussels last season, and he had a mixed first season in English football, scoring six goals and registering the same number of assists in 44 Championship games.
Even though Gueye wasn’t prolific, he is popular with fans due to his all-round approach, and his physicality is key to the team, and makes him a good option when leading the line.
However, those qualities have attracted interest from elsewhere, as journalist Sacha Tavolieri has revealed that Al-Wahda are pushing to sign the Senegalese forward.
He explains that they have a contract until 2028 on the table for the player, and they are now looking to agree a deal with Rovers for Gueye.
The update states that they are in negotiations, and they could look to sign the ex-Oostende and Nancy man on a permanent basis straight away, or an initial loan that will include a permanent option, with talks continuing in the coming days.
As mentioned, Gueye brings a lot to the team due to his size and power, so looking at his goal return doesn’t tell the whole story about his importance to the side.
We know how Valerien Ismael values a physical presence leading the line, and Gueye is perfect for that approach. He is the ideal focal point, so there’s no denying that losing him would be a big blow.
Blackburn have had a busy summer so far, with Tyrhys Dolan a notable exit, and Callum Brittain is another regular who will leave, as he closes in on a switch to MIddlesbrough.
So, adding Gueye to that would be a setback, but we know that every player has a price, and whilst it’s not clear what sort of fee Al-Wahda would pay, Rovers should be able to hold out for a decent sum, particularly as he has two years on his contract - Rovers also have the option to extend his deal by a further 12 months.
If he does go, it will add funds to the budget, but it will create another area of the squad that needs addressing ahead of the deadline.
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