Blackburn Rovers boss John Eustace has admitted that the situation around Sammie Szmodic's future needs to be resolved one way or another, sooner rather than later.
The Blackburn striker scored 29 goals in the Championship last season, and there are obviously keen suitors wanting to prise him away from Ewood Park.
Bournemouth, Luton Town, Leeds United, Everton, and Galatasaray have all been linked, and it would not be crazy to assume that he will be playing for another team come the start of the season.
Blackburn play Derby County in their first game of the championship, and Eustace admits there needs to be a conclusion to the saga.
"It's very important that we get this sorted out with Sammie, one way or another, "said Eustace
"We want him to stay at the football club; he's a terrific player. He's one of the best players in the Championship, and if we can keep him, it'll be fantastic. It's important that we sort his future out as quickly as we can because it's not fair on the lad and it's not fair on the club.
🗣️ JE: "It's really important that we get to grips with the Sammie [Szmodics] situation.
He's had interest from a number of clubs, it’s important we protect him correctly. He's not been in any of the games really throughout pre-season, and hasn't trained much with the group. I… pic.twitter.com/27fLnAY97H
— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) August 7, 2024
"I'm surprised that nothing has been done. It is a bit frustrating, but we have to get it sorted one way or another.
"It has been disruptive, but it's out of my hands. I can't do much about it."
Szmodics has not played in any of Blackburn's pre-season games, and regardless of what happens, Eustace believes Szmodics will act like the consummate professional he is if he decides to stay at the club.
"Sammie is short on match fitness; he hasn't been in any of the pre-season games, really.
"What I will say is that he's a fantastic professional, and when called upon, he'll be 100% committed and ready to go. Sammie is a top player at this level. Would we like him in the starting XI? Of course, we would. Eventually, that might happen."
Blackburn's game against Derby starts at 8 p.m. tomorrow.
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