Blackburn Rovers keen to strike transfer agreement for 6-goal winger but road block emerges | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers have been handed a setback in their move for the Saudi Arabian international

Blackburn Rovers have been strongly linked with a move for Al Ittihad forward Marwan Al-Sahafi this summer - but a fresh road block has formed in the shape of French legend Laurent Blanc.

The East Lancashire outfit finished seventh in the Championship last term, just two points shy of the play-offs.

Manager Valerien Ismael has already added Sidnei Tavares and Dion De Neve to his ranks in the early stages of the window, with attention turning to the Saudi Arabian international to bolster Rovers’ attack.

However, a fresh update has emerged surrounding the deal which explains why negotiations have apparently halted.

Laurent Blanc factor emerges in Blackburn Rovers’ Marwan Al-Sahafi deal

With Al-Sahafi first linked to Rovers almost a month ago, the factor what is holding talks up has now been revealed.

According to the Lancashire Telegraph, speculation around the future of Al Ittihad’s manager, Laurent Blanc, is proving to be quite the complication.

Until that situation has been resolved, it’s unlikely that any transfers will be sanctioned by the Saudi Pro League champions.

Blackburn are still keen to get a deal done for the forward and will aim to reach an agreement with Al Ittihad as soon as they are ready to negotiate.

The 21-year-old was recently spotted in Manchester, which led to increased speculation over a potential transfer, but the deal hasn’t progressed at this moment in time.

Al-Sahafi spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Belgian outfit Beerschot, scoring six goals in the nation’s top-flight, operating both on the wing and through the middle as a striker.

Ismael has been keen to add quality in wide areas this summer, so it seems likely that Rovers will revisit this deal when they can.

Blackburn Rovers can’t hold out too long for Marwan Al-Sahafi

Rovers are clearly fond off Al-Sahafi and have waited on the forward for almost a month.

At this moment in time, that hasn’t impacted the club’s business too much, but the longer this saga drags on, the larger that risk grows.

The last thing Ismael and Co. need is for them to hang their hat on a move for the Saudi Arabian international and ultimately end the window empty-handed or scrambling for a panic buy if Al Ittihad decide not to sell up.

Therefore, the East Lancashire outfit should already be setting internal deadlines before they determine that the Al-Sahafi transfer is taking too long.

This will stop them from falling into a dangerous scenario where they haven’t recruited a new wide man and other options have been taken off the market.

Both Rovers and Al-Sahafi will hope for Blanc’s situation to be resolved as soon a possible so they can both move forward with their plans for the summer.