‘Wouldn’t Surprise Me’ – Former Blackburn Rovers Man On Possible Move For Midfielder

Former Blackburn Rovers striker Francis Jeffers has said he ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if a Premier League club made a move for Sammie Szmodics before the end of the transfer window.

Ipswich Town have one eye on the Colchester-born player, who bagged goals for fun last season, and while they prepare a bid, the 28-year-old is making headlines. He hit Rovers’ third goal of four in their opener against Derby County, helping them to a 4-2 win.

One man who knows a decent striker when he sees one is former Rovers man Francis Jeffers. He bagged one goal in 15 outings for them, but had previously got 20 in 60 outings for Everton. He even has a goal-a-game strike rate for England, and watching on this weekend, he believes Szmodics is on the verge of the Premier League.

“Szmodics is a top striker,” he said, talking to us courtesy of William Hill Vegas.  “To finish as the top goal scorer in the Championship is no mean feat, and I like his attributes and hunger to score goals.

“Blackburn hit the ground running with a good win over Derby and if he hadn’t already, I am sure he grabbed the attention of Premier League sides. I definitely think he can cut it in the Premier League for sure.”

Jeffers believes that a certain type of Premier League team will be eyeing the player, and Ipswich fit that bill perfectly.

“There are plenty of bottom half teams who could do with a goalscorer like Szmodics and it wouldn’t surprise me if a big bid came in for him to prize him away from Ewood Park. “

“To a Premier League side, survival is key, and having an out-and-out goalscorer is so important. You look at teams who went down last year, and scoring was an issue, so if you have a striker who doesn’t need many chances to score, then this is one player who they should be after.”

Szmodics came through the youth ranks at Colchester United, appearing regularly over a six-season spell after making it as a professional. He left for Bristol City in 2019, and while that didn’t work out, a move to Peterborough proved to be a catalyst for more success.

27 goals in 96 appearances for them lured Blackburn into a purchase, and he repaid their faith with goals. He scored 33 times last season, 27 in the Championship, which helped his faltering side avoid relegation.