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Opinion

Sidnei Tavares signing is a risk for Blackburn Rovers based on the history of Portuguese players at the club

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Blackburn Rovers made Sidnei Tavares their latest summer signing, with the midfielder joining on a three-year contract from Portuguese club Moreirense.

Tavares is the second signing by the club this summer, while Rovers continue to be linked to a number of other signings as they look to shape the squad to Valérien Ismaël’s desire.

Blackburn Rovers badge at Ewood Park prior to a game v Middlesbrough - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus

Blackburn Rovers may turn their attention in their recruitment towards signing some more attacking players due to the expected loss of Tyrhys Dolan on a free transfer.

It is hoped the signing of Tavares will help to solidify the Rovers midfield due to the qualities he has as a footballer.

Tavares is the latest Portuguese player to join Blackburn Rovers, with the club having had seven other players from the Iberian country play for the club.

Sidnei Tavares signing is a risk going off the previous Portuguese signings by Blackburn Rovers

Seven players from Portugal have made a senior appearance for the Lancashire club, with Tavares looking set to become the eighth this upcoming season.

Current Rovers player Yuri Ribeiro is one of only two Portuguese players to have made at least 15 appearances for the club, with the full-back having made a promising start at Ewood Park, but the rest have failed to impress.

The most recognisable name to pull on the blue and white shirt hailing from Portugal was Nuno Gomes, who finished his career at Rovers in the Championship, a year after the club had been relegated from the Premier League, failing to deliver as he scored four goals across 18 matches.

PlayerAppearancesGoals
2025-presentSidnei Tavares00
2025-presentYuri Ribeiro150
2013Lucas João133
2012-15Paulo Jorge20
2012-14Fábio Nunes70
2012-14Edinho Júnior10
2012-13Diogo Rosado20
2012-13Nuno Gomes184

The majority of Portuguese players to play for the club have been youthful and been viewed as prospects; however, they have failed to deliver on the promise and were moved on relatively quickly by Rovers.

Tavares will aim to buck the current trend of Portuguese signings for the club, in a similar fashion to Ribeiro, and encourage fans that future signings from the Iberian country can be a success in Lancashire.

Where will Sidnei Tavares fit in at Blackburn Rovers?

The 23-year-old has joined Blackburn from Moreirense after a decent season in the Portuguese top flight; however, there is a strong central midfield already at Rovers.

At present Blackburn have Sondre Tronstad, Lewis Travis and John Buckley, who can operate in a central position in the midfield, with Tavares set to join this group.

Sondre Tronstad and Lewis Travis talking on the pitch for Blackburn Rovers against Stoke City.
Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images

The Portuguese midfielder was required, as there is not too much depth in this position for Rovers; however, it is not just numbers that the club needs, it is also quality.

Fans will be keen to see how he performs and hope that he can add something to the club, with the new signing stating that he is aiming to reach the Premier League with the club.