According to the Lancashire Telegraph, Blackburn Rovers have activated defender Connor O’Riordan’s £500,000 release clause from Crewe Alexandra.
In the January transfer window, Blackburn Rovers will be hoping to bring some new faces to Ewood Park. They have had some financial uncertainty throughout 2023, but adding players for the winter would give their dwindling chances of making a run at the playoffs a boost.
The team led by Jon Dahl Tomasson has been struggling lately; they have dropped five of their last six Championship matches. Consequently, their position in the table is 15th, five points lower than the top six.
But now that January is almost here, rumors are circulating that one deal has already been finalized.
Blackburn Rovers have reportedly activated the £500,000 release clause in defender Connor O’Riordan’s Crewe Alexandra contract, according to the Lancashire Telegraph. Rovers have had their eye on him for a while, and their summer bids were rejected.
The 20-year-old Irishman is being followed by six clubs, including four Championship rivals. But it appears that Blackburn’s decision to activate his release clause has given them the upper hand.
Crewe Alexandra is well known for its ability to nurture players. They’ll be hoping O’Riordan can end up like Harry Pickering, who is currently a mainstay for Blackburn Rovers and one of the big names.
O’Riordan has emerged as a star for Crewe following stints on loan at Kidsgrove Athletic, Nantwich Town, and Raith Rovers. This season, he has established himself as one of the most potential center-back prospects in the EFL after managing six goals and an assist in 53 games with the first team.
Later on, when Blackburn Rovers want to sign him as a player to develop, a £500,000 release clause cost can end up being a good deal. Given the widespread interest in the defensive superstar, only time will tell if someone else activates the clause.
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