Exclusive: Doncaster Rovers backed to retain 15-goal star Luke Molyneux on one condition | OneFootball

Joe Jacobson has given his thoughts on whether Doncaster Rovers will be able to keep hold of star winger Luke Molyneux this summer.

Ex-Wycombe Wanderers defender turned EFL pundit Joe Jacobson believes Doncaster Rovers can keep hold of star winger Luke Molyneux this summer, but only if they achieve promotion to League One.

Molyneux joined Doncaster from Hartlepool United in the summer of 2022, and after an underwhelming first season at the Eco-Power Stadium, he scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists in 58 appearances to help Grant McCann's side reach the play-offs last term, where they were beaten by Crewe Alexandra in the semi-finals.

The 27-year-old has taken his form to another level this season, scoring 15 goals and registering 11 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions so far to help fire Rovers into automatic promotion contention in League Two.

After registering another assist in the 2-0 win at Cheltenham Town on Saturday, Molyneux became only the third player to reach double figures for both goals and assists in league games this season after Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Middlesbrough's Finn Azaz, underlining just how impressive his campaign has been.

Molyneux has played a crucial role in helping Doncaster up to fourth in the table, and they are just two points behind second-placed Walsall and three points behind second-placed Port Vale and leaders Bradford City, with a game in hand on all three teams above them.

Joe Jacobson on Luke Molyneux's Doncaster Rovers future

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Jacobson backed Doncaster to keep hold of Molyneux if they achieve promotion, but he admitted it could be tough for the club to turn down potential offers for the winger in the summer if they remain in League Two.

"Luke Molyneux has been around for a few years and had a few decent seasons," Jacobson said.

"He's got a lovely left foot on him and he's always one that wants to create or score goals.

"He's been a bit streaky in his career, but this season it feels like everything has clicked into place.

"He's scored a lot of goals, especially early on in the season.

"He had a little bit of a dry spell through the middle, but he's picking up form again towards the latter part, which is really important, and he could fire Doncaster not just into the play-offs, but into those automatic promotion spots.

"Doncaster will be desperate to finish in those top three places, and I feel like they've got a good opportunity, with a big game against Wimbledon coming up.

"I feel like, if Doncaster get promoted, then I think he will stay and it's better for him to stay, but if not, it's going to be really difficult to turn down opportunities that present themselves.

"We know what it's like at League Two level, money is tight in a lot of places, so if someone does come in with a significant bid, it's tough for the club to turn down, and it's also tough for the player to turn it down, thinking that he can better himself at a higher level and be better off financially.

"If Doncaster do get promoted, they'll be able to keep hold of their best players."

Luke Molyneux should be on the radar of League One clubs

Molyneux only signed a new three-year contract at Doncaster last summer, so they are in a strong position to keep hold of their star man, but his performances this season will surely have caught the eye of League One and possibly even Championship clubs.

After hitting double figures for goals and assists in each of the last two seasons, Molyneux has proven that he is far too good for League Two, and he has certainly earned the opportunity to play at a higher level.

Molyneux has found a home at the Eco-Power Stadium in recent years, so he will be keen to make the step up to the third tier with Rovers, but should they miss out on promotion, he will have no shortage of suitors, and his exit would surely be inevitable.