Valerien Ismael ‘didn’t expect’ one thing at Blackburn Rovers this summer, he still has plenty of work to do

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Blackburn Rovers are bidding for a play-off finish in 2025/26 after narrowly missing out on the top six at the end of last season.

It took some time for the team to adapt after John Eustace left Ewood Park to head to Derby County in February, but Valerien Ismael started to see results in the final weeks of the campaign that will give hope for supporters heading into the new season.

However, this summer has not quite gone to plan just yet. Andreas Weimann and Danny Batth have both moved to Derby after their contracts came to an end in Lancashire while Callum Brittain is pushing for a move to Middlesbrough.

Tyrhys Dolan is yet to find a club following the expiration of his deal at Blackburn, and Ismael has had to change his approach in the transfer market.

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Valerien Ismael opens up on Blackburn Rovers’ summer

While there is still a month and a half to go until the transfer window shuts, Rovers will have to work quickly to ensure they have ample cover for all positions ahead of the first Championship fixtures of 2025/26.

Ismael has been taken by surprise by the current situation, and he has explained more about the club’s plans. The Blackburn boss said (via: Lancashire Telegraph): “I think you see clearly now on the transfer market, we are in the transition.

“We spoke after the last game in the season, we wanted to keep that stability in the squad to try to extend the players. We made offers but they chose another way. So now, our strategy is to go into the transition. We didn’t expect to have that this summer but now it’s time.

“We want to reduce the number of players, we have a clear profile of player that we want. Young, very athletic, players who are very able to give us that intensity. Technically as well, to give us possibilities with the ball.

“At some point, it’s okay to say, what shall we do now? Should we be chasing (contracts) or are we going to start with a transition period? That means new players in, new profiles of players. They need more time to adapt so the fans can enjoy the new players, our new signings. It takes time.

“We are choosing to be proactive. We are in a transition period, clearly. We know that until September 1, anything can happen due to the contract situation of some of our players.”

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Valerien Ismael remains confident at Rovers

While there will be a little bit of frustration at losing key players from last season, trimming the squad down and bringing in players who clearly want to play for the manager is crucial for success.

Blackburn are looking to get the best out of their young stars, and there will be a desire to see those from the academy come through the ranks at Ewood Park.

In the last few years and beyond, the likes of Adam Wharton and David Raya have come through the youth system at Rovers before becoming quality Premier League aces.

Having fewer senior players will put more pressure on the academy to produce these players, but it may offer a pathway to regular first-team football that will only benefit Blackburn in the seasons to come.