Blackburn Rovers suffer significant transfer blow ahead of Portsmouth showdown
Blackburn Rovers travel to Fratton Park to face Pompey in the Championship this Saturday.
Blackburn Rovers have suffered a significant transfer blow ahead of Saturday’s trip to Pompey.
The Ewood Park outfit were in talks to sign Japan international Ryotaro Ito on a free transfer following his exit from Belgian outfit Sint Truidense in the summer.
Although Rovers were close to a deal for the 28-year-old, issues with the medical stalled a move while they attempted to renegotiate the terms.
However, the midfielder’s switch to Lancashire ultimately collapsed, with Tony Mowbray still looking to bolster his engine room ahead of their visit to Fratton Park this weekend.
Blackburn boss sheds light on failed transfer ahead of Pompey trip
Ito netted 10 goals and collected seven assists in 36 appearances for Sint Truidense, who opted against extending his three-year stay in the summer.
Blackburn have had to rely heavily on 35-year-old Sam Morsy and Kristi Montgomery in the opening seven matches of the season as injuries continue hamper Mowbray’s midfield.
And the Rovers boss has shed light on Ito’s failed transfer, with his side still attempting to recruit a free agent following the window’s close.
He told BBC Radio Lancashire: ‘He’s not here anymore I don’t think. I wasn’t really involved but I shook his hand, had a chat with him, had a cup of tea in the dining room and then let everyone else get on with it.
‘The sports science and the medical department and the sporting directors who had been talking and discussing with the agent.
‘Ultimately, I’m not involved in any of that and the day he was here we had a game.
‘I'm not really sure what happened after that. I came in here thinking we’ve got a new signing in the building but at this moment there's nothing happening.
‘I genuinely don't know but, my experience would suggest to me that it's not going to happen now.
‘I don't know why it didn't happen other than medical reasons or contractual reasons, I’m not sure.
‘I would’ve assumed the fact that the agents, several agents and the player would’ve travelled on the understanding that the deal would be done.
‘I asked for help a few weeks ago and the club are trying to put some players in the building to help us, but the reality is if it doesn’t happen I like the group (already here). I really like this group of players.’
Blackburn’s start to the season
It’s been a mixed start to the season at Ewood Park for Mowbray, who replaced Michael O’Neill in the hot seat.
Rovers visit Fratton Park this Saturday in the midst of an early-season injury crisis, with lost two Yuri Ribeiro and Ryan Alebiosu during their 3-1 triumph over Millwall over the weekend.
The success against the Lions lifted them above Pompey in the standings and sit 15th, having picked up eight points from their opening seven matches.