How Blackburn Rovers really feel about selling Makhtar Gueye as Saudi Arabia links emerge

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There has been a lot of change in the Blackburn Rovers squad ahead of this season, as several players have bid farewell to Ewood Park, while a number have landed in Lancashire.

Valerien Ismael and fans will be hopeful that his approach and methods can help them finally break into the Championship play-offs and see a return to the top flight after 13 years away from the competition they won in 1995.

Rovers have brought in the likes of Dion De Neve and Ryan Alebiosu from Kortrijk, with Axel Henriksson being their most recent acquisition.

However, the club have bid farewell to Tyrhys Dolan, who joined Espanyol, while the most recent departure was Callum Brittain departing for Middlesbrough.

Now the club have made their stance on the future of Makhtar Gueye as speculation mounts of interest from Saudi Arabia.

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Blackburn Rovers ‘willing’ to move Makhtar Gueye on

The Senegalese striker only scored eight goals last season for Blackburn Rovers across all competitions in 48 appearances; however, he made half of those off the bench.

Now this tally is nothing special; yet, it was the third highest at Blackburn last season, with only Yūki Ōhashi and Andreas Weimann, who has left for Derby County, scoring more.

As per information from our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, EFL Analysis understands Blackburn Rovers are ‘willing to move on’ Gueye.

It is understood there is interest from a few clubs in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

There is a belief that he will leave the club this summer, with a fee expected for the player.

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A loss of chemistry for Blackburn Rovers

Makhtar Gueye looked sharp in pre-season for Blackburn Rovers, and the decision to sell the striker before the start of the campaign would appear strange.

It would be a huge loss to Augustus Kargbo, who seemed to click and have a natural chemistry with the Senegalese striker, speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph about how much he enjoyed playing with him.

He said: “He’s a crazy guy. He’s a nice guy. We’ve been together since I came.

“He’s a very nice guy. He’s taken care of me as his younger brother. We have a very good relationship.

“On the pitch, we try to help the team. He understands me, and I try to understand him and the way he plays. It’s the same for everybody.

“Because we are so close together, you can feel the chemistry between us. I’m happy. Together, we can help the team.”