Valerien Ismael’s Blackburn Rovers are 22nd in the Championship after a 1–0 home defeat to Hull City. The French boss is coming under increasing pressure to turn around the results but has reiterated the need for additions before Monday’s deadline.
Blackburn Rovers are targeting the signing of St. Pauli striker Dapo Afolayan, but he may not be the only player to arrive from the German club. Welshman Fin Stevens may follow him back to Britain, according to Football League World.
The Championship side have so far only approved the only permanent move away from Ewood Park Makhtar Gueye joins Shanghai Shenhua. However, reports are emerging that Harry Pickering and Ryan Alebiosu may be leaving.
Who is Blackburn Rovers target Fin Stevens?
Blackburn Rovers must find replacements before anyone is allowed to leave the club in the next 36 hours. Former Brentford defender Stevens has emerged as a potential target.
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The 22-year-old right-back has made just two appearances for St. Pauli since joining the German team in the summer of 2024. Stevens has struggled to break into the starting line-up despite continually being named in the matchday squad for the Bundesliga relegation candidates.
Prior to his move abroad, Stevens spent the 23/24 season at Oxford United on loan from Brentford. The former Arsenal youth player played a key role in helping the U’s achieve promotion to the Championship.
Fin Stevens’ stats for Oxford United
Stevens’ form earned him two senior caps for Wales in 2024, with friendlies against Gibraltar and Slovakia.
What could Fin Stevens bring to Blackburn Rovers?
Stevens’ lack of competitive appearances over the past 18 months is a concern. His readiness for the physicality of the championship will therefore be called into question.
The Welshman will undoubtedly be interested in the possibility of returning to Britain. However, he will need to make an immediate impact upon arrival at Blackburn Rovers should Alebiosu leave the club.
Ismael does have Lewis Miller, Kristi Montgomery and Taylor Gardner-Hickman who can play the role of right back. That said, Ishmael would prefer to use them in other areas. Stevens will bring depth on the right side, although his attacking ability is not that of his potential predecessor.
Stevens could be the perfect substitute for Alebiosu at Rovers. With the 24-year-old coming off a defeat to Hull City, an opportunity could present itself for Stevens to feature in the starting XI for a run of games.
Rovers’ right side has been a source of their limited goals this season, and should the Lancashire side sanction a move for Alebiosu, the replacement will need to be able to maintain that threat. The survival of the Rovers Championship could depend on it.
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