Blackburn Rovers told to seal Ben Brereton Diaz, Moussa Baradji deals | OneFootball

Blackburn have had these two transfer targets highlighted

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Blackburn Rovers will be hoping for another play-off push under Valerien Ismael next season.

The East Lancashire finished seventh in the Championship last term, recovering from a mid-season slump which saw Ismael lose five of his first seven matches and fail to win until almost two months into his reign.

Taking John Eustace’s departure into account, Rovers had an extremely solid 2024/25 campaign and a few extra additions could make the difference in their bid for the top six next term.

Football League World’s Blackburn Rovers fan pundit, Simon Middlehurst, has highlighted some sensible signings he thinks the club could make this summer.

Blackburn Rovers handed transfer wish list ahead of the 2025/26 campaign

“I would still like us to sign Moussa Baradji,” stated Simon. “The original transfer didn't go through due to the injuries that he had.

“However, he's made his return from injury and played a game the other day during pre-season, managed to get 70 minutes and looked, from all accounts, quite good.

“So, personally, I think that would be a realistic signing for us to make and would be one to love.

“Another one that is a bit out there could be Ben Brereton Diaz. Since he left Blackburn, he hasn't done as well as he'd like. I think a realistic move would be to bring him back.

“The way that Valerien Ismael plays his football, I think Brereton Diaz would suit that style, and he would be a realistic target for us.

“We haven't had a consistent goal scorer since Sammie Szmodics left. Brereton Diaz had a great rapport with the fans, and he was a very, very important player for us.

“He knows where the back of the net is, and I definitely think that would be a realistic target that we could get.”

Blackburn Rovers will need another forward to ensure play-off push

Ismael and Co. have made some promising additions so far this summer, recruiting the likes of Sidnei Tavares, Dion De Neve, Sean McLoughlin and Ryan Alebiosu.

However, Rovers have lost attacking outlets in the form of Tyrhys Dolan and Andreas Weimann, who will need to be replaced adequately.

Both Brereton Diaz and Baradji would be exciting signings for different reasons, although the former may command a much larger fee for his services.

The 26-year-old previously spent almost five years at Ewood Park, netting 47 for Blackburn in that time before leaving to join Villarreal in 2023.

Since then, the forward has spent his time with Southampton and Sheffield United, failing to recapture his Rovers form.

Baradji represents more of an unknown quantity, having not operated out of English football yet.

Four goals and three assists in 27 Swiss Super League appearances for Yverdon last term isn’t a groundbreaking return but has clearly caught the attention of the East Lancashire outfit, with their pursuit of the 24-year-old well-documented.

Whatever avenue Blackburn go down this summer, they must add some more firepower to Ismael’s attack if they are to ensure another attack on the top six.