Blackburn Rovers head into the January transfer window knowing they simply have to make deals. Valerien Ismael has been woefully short at centre-back this summer, and several wider areas of the squad also need reinforcements if anything is to be salvaged from this season.
Plans for January have already begun at Rovers, who are looking to sign a permanent deal for current loanee Taylor Gardner-Hickman. Another loanee now appears to be influencing their plans, but this time it’s one of their own players.
Conor O’Riordan has joined Doncaster Rovers on loan from Blackburn Rovers in League One but is now set to return in January. According to Alan Nixon via his PatreonRovers is impressed with O’Riordan on loan.
The centre-back is being looked at to strengthen Rovers’ current group of defenders. They believe he has gained valuable experience at Doncaster Rovers.
O’Riordan’s Blackburn Rovers career to date
22-year-old defender O’Riordan joined Rovers in January 2024, but he has only performed twice in that time. Since his move, he has spent just eight months at Blackburn Rovers, with the rest of his time spent on loan elsewhere.
His first spell was at Cambridge United in the first half of last season. He played just eight games for Cambridge, only four of which came in League One.
He was then recalled in January before being sent to his former club, Crewe Alexandra. The 22-year-old had impressed as he came through the ranks, returning to good form in League Two on loan.
This spell with Doncaster Rovers has seen the very best of O’Riordan. With his recall looking likely, he hopes to have a good chance at the championship in 2026.
Conor O’Riordan’s career statistics
What’s next for Blackburn Rovers?
In 2026, Blackburn Rovers will feel the pressure of relegation. Rovers are just four points clear of the bottom three, albeit with a game in hand.
Blackburn is unlikely to be able to spend massively in January either. However, should academy graduate Adam Wharton move, they could receive a hefty sum through a sell-on clause.
For now, Ismael and his team must concentrate on collecting points during the holidays. Big games against Oxford United and Portsmouth are coming up for Rovers.
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