Ipswich Town’s efforts to secure Blackburn Rovers’ star striker Sammie Szmodics have hit a snag, as their initial £6 million bid has been rejected by the Lancashire club. Szmodics, who played a vital role in Blackburn’s survival in the Championship last season by scoring an impressive 27 goals, has now captured the interest of Ipswich as they look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
Blackburn swiftly turned down Ipswich’s offer, holding out for a substantial £20 million fee for the talented Irish international. The club is reportedly willing to sell Szmodics, but only for the right price, setting a July deadline for any fresh bids from Ipswich or Leeds United, who are also said to have interest in the player.
While Blackburn supporters hope that Szmodics will stay with the club, the allure of playing in the Premier League could be enticing for the 28-year-old forward. Teams like Luton Town and Brentford have been linked to him in the past, but Ipswich and manager Kieran McKenna seem most determined to secure his signature.
Rovers fan pundit Toby Wilding believes that a move to Ipswich could be beneficial for Szmodics, given the playing style and ambition of the club. However, concerns linger about whether Szmodics’ stellar form from last season can be sustained, making the potential £20 million investment a risky one for Ipswich.
Despite the uncertainties, a move to Ipswich could offer Szmodics the chance to work with a promising young manager and potentially elevate his game. McKenna’s coaching and guidance could help Szmodics reach new heights, and his desire to prove himself on a bigger stage in the Premier League may push him towards making the switch to Ipswich.
