Blackburn Rovers Set to Part Ways with Makhtar Gueye in January

Blackburn Rovers are preparing for a potential exit of forward Makhtar Gueye in the upcoming January transfer window. Journalist Alan Nixon reported via his Patreon channel that the 26-year-old Senegalese player is likely to leave Ewood Park, with his role in the team diminishing significantly this season. After contributing six goals and six assists in his first 44 appearances for the club, Gueye’s standing has deteriorated under head coach Valerien Ismael.

Despite being considered a valuable physical presence in the attacking line, Gueye has not featured in recent matchday squads. His absence is especially notable given Blackburn’s struggles to find the net, highlighting a growing disconnect between the player and the manager. Gueye has not started a Championship match this season, appearing only as a substitute in 16 fixtures thus far.

Interest in Gueye has emerged from various clubs, including a link to Turkish side Kocaelispor during the summer transfer window. More recently, Shanghai Shenhua, a club in the Chinese Super League, has reportedly shown serious intent to secure his services. Following a solid second-place finish in their league, Shanghai Shenhua possesses considerable financial resources, which could expedite negotiations once terms are agreed.

Gueye’s diminishing role reflects deeper issues, including a loss of trust between him and Ismael. The coach has publicly indicated that Gueye’s exclusion from the squad stems from concerns about his attitude in training. Simon Middlehurst, a Blackburn expert, noted that a fresh start could benefit both Gueye and the club. “He’s clearly someone who wants to play more football,” Middlehurst shared. “Under Valerien Ismael, he’s not getting that, and it’s probably best for both parties that he moves on.”

The context of this potential transfer is underscored by Blackburn’s ongoing goalscoring crisis. The team ranks among the lowest-scoring sides in the Championship, with no goals in their last three matches, which include a 2-0 loss to Wrexham and goalless draws against Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough. The Lancashire Telegraph reported that Gueye was benched due to running less than his teammates in training, indicating that his absence may be tied to performance as much as to tactical decisions.

From a financial perspective, moving Gueye, who earns approximately £10,000 per week, could alleviate pressure on Blackburn’s tightly managed wage bill. The club is facing growing dissatisfaction among supporters, some of whom have started boycotting matchday spending in protest against the ownership under the Venkys. In this light, the sale of Gueye may become not just a strategic decision but a necessary step for the club’s financial health.

In a January transfer window that is likely to be marked by constraints, rather than ambitious spending, the proposed move could serve as a practical solution. Gueye would gain the opportunity for regular playing time, while Blackburn could free up funds to address their pressing need for attacking reinforcement. With the stakes high for both parties, this move appears to be the best course of action as they look to reshape their futures.