Carlton Palmer has urged Blackburn Rovers to sell Tyrhys Dolan during the forthcoming January transfer window, since the 22-year-old’s contract position appears precarious at the moment.
The winger, who can also play in an attacking midfield role, has been an important player for John Eustace this season, but with his present contract expiring at the end of the season, a solution must be found immediately.
Dolan has been in contractual talks with Rovers for the past year, according to his management, but the two parties appear to be no closer to agreeing on a new contract to secure his future at Ewood Park beyond the end of the summer.
According to the Lancashire Telegraph, Blackburn will be owed compensation if he goes without signing a new contract, and Eustace sees signing him as a top priority as the January transfer window approaches.
Palmer urges Blackburn to let go of Dolan early if a deal is not agreed
While disheartening, the 22-year-old still has time to negotiate a new contract and extend his stay in Lancashire.
Since joining Rovers from Preston North End four years ago, the Manchester-born ace has made nearly 200 appearances for the club and has established himself as a first-team regular.
However, in an exclusive interview with Football League World, former England and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Palmer shared his thoughts on the situation. He told FLW:
“Blackburn Rovers are in eighth position, only two points from a play-off spot; you don’t need these distractions, and the player has simply put his head down. Obviously, Blackburn Rovers want to keep their young players, but we’ve seen what’s occurred in the past when they’ve got good young players: they’ve sold them on for great money.
“I would believe that with Dolan being only 22, if they can’t lock him down in the January transfer window, they would sell him in January rather than sit out for minimum compensation.
“But Eustace remains hopeful. Dolan is getting a lot of game time and improving as a player, but if it’s a free transfer, his pay might be significant.”
Blackburn have to get Dolan to sign a new deal
While it appears like Dolan intends to leave in the summer at the latest, as Palmer stated, Blackburn must reach an agreement with the 22-year-old to extend his contract until the conclusion of the 2025/26 season at the very least.
| Tyrhys Dolan Blackburn Rovers Stats 2024/25 (FotMob)* | |
|---|---|
| Appearances (Starts) | 16 (14) |
| Minutes Played | 1103 |
| Goals (Assists) | 2 (2) |
| xG | 3.05 |
| Shots (On Target) | 21 (8) |
| Pass Accuracy | 77.3% |
| Chances Created | 11 |
| Dribble Success | 52.9% |
| Touches (In Opposition Box) | 561 (41) |
| *Stats correct as of 06/12/2024 | |
Rovers have made significant progress this season, and Dolan has played a role in that, so losing him in January would be extremely harmful to their goals.
Blackburn has a surprising, outside possibility of finishing in the top six by May, and they will need a player like Dolan on their wing to be the creative force that he is.
Losing him to a competitor would be a major disappointment for Eustace, and the next three weeks are critical to their campaign.
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