Blackburn Rovers have confirmed the sale of key striker Sammie Szmodics on the eve of their Championship clash against Norwich City.
The 28-year-old has completed a reported £10m move to the Canaries' local rivals Ipswich Town, ending a long-running saga that has spanned the entirety of the summer.
🤝 Rovers can confirm that @SamSzmodics has today joined Ipswich Town for an undisclosed fee.
— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) August 16, 2024
Everyone at the club thanks Sammie for his fantastic efforts and wishes him all the very best in the Premier League.#Rovers 🔵⚪️https://t.co/yiqA81d0oK pic.twitter.com/PRTdNX8tfy
Despite the constant speculation, Szmodics has featured and scored in both their competitive matches so far this season - scoring in wins against Derby and Stockport in Championship and Carabao Cup games.
Szmodics' move has come after a blistering campaign last season that saw him net 33 goals in all competitions for Blackburn, helping them retain their Championship status. He has signed a four-year deal in Suffolk and could feature in their top-flight opener against Liverpool.
Although expected, it serves as a blow to John Eustace's men on the eve of their trip to Carrow Road - although goals haven't been a problem in the opening stages of the campaign.
Rovers have converted 10 times in two matches so far, with new forward additions Andreas Weimann, Yuki Ohashi and Maktar Gueye among the scorers in their matches to date.
On the move, Szmodics, 28, told Ipswich's official channels: “I am delighted to be here as an Ipswich Town player.
“There’s always been interest since I was a kid, but it just felt right this time with the challenge of the Premier League.
Goals haven't been hard to come by for Blackburn Rovers in the early stages of the Championship campaign. (Image: PA)
“After speaking to a couple of the lads, including Lewis Travis who was here last season, they just pushed me and said that I need to come and work under this manager, which is something I can’t wait to do.
“It’s every boy’s dream to play in the Premier League and I’ve always said to my friends, family and agents that I’ll get to the top one day.
“There’s nothing more I want than to score at Portman Road for Ipswich Town. I am over the moon to be here and looking forward to the season ahead.”
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