Blackburn Rovers Face Key Departures Ahead of 2026 Season

Blackburn Rovers are bracing for a significant reshuffle as seven players are set to leave Ewood Park by 2026. This follows a summer where the club saw the departures of several notable players, including Tyrhys Dolan, who joined Espanyol after a lengthy transfer saga. The Championship side must now navigate contract negotiations to avoid a repeat of this situation, particularly with several key players entering the final year of their deals.

Key Players at Risk of Leaving

The future of Lewis Travis remains uncertain as he approaches the end of his current contract in June 2026. The midfielder has been linked with a move to Derby County, according to the Lancashire Telegraph. If Travis remains at Blackburn beyond the September 1 transfer deadline without a new contract, the club risks losing him as a free agent in 2026.

Similarly, Dominic Hyam is facing a precarious situation. The club has yet to agree on terms for an extension, which has sparked speculation regarding his future. Hyam declined a proposal that would have seen him remain at Ewood Park until 2027 under the same salary conditions, creating further uncertainty as the transfer window approaches its close.

Another player under scrutiny is Sondre Tronstad, who has solidified his position as an essential member of the squad. The 29-year-old midfielder has made 74 league appearances over his first two seasons with Blackburn. With his contract set to expire in June 2026, the club will likely prioritize negotiations to secure his future and avoid a protracted situation similar to Dolan’s.

Additional Contract Concerns

Ryan Hedges had a one-year extension added to his contract last summer, preventing a departure in 2025. However, the 30-year-old now seeks a longer-term agreement. The club faces the challenge of reaching a new deal with Hedges before the end of the current season.

Meanwhile, Adam Forshaw recently extended his contract for another year. Forshaw played a consistent role in the latter half of last season after joining from Plymouth Argyle. His future will be evaluated at the end of the current campaign, determining whether he remains a valuable asset for the team.

Young talent Igor Tyjon has found it difficult to break into the first team, making only a handful of appearances. Despite interest from Arsenal earlier this summer, Tyjon could also leave as a free agent next year if the club does not finalize a new deal.

Finally, Kristi Montgomery signed a new contract in February 2024, but his deal is set to expire next summer. The club does hold an option to extend it by another year, providing some leeway in contract negotiations.

As Blackburn Rovers navigates these contract discussions, the club is keen to avoid losing more players on free transfers. The next few months will be crucial for securing the future of these key individuals as they aim to strengthen their squad for the upcoming seasons.