Blackburn Rovers have to plot transfer reunion with ex-Stoke City star for £0 | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers should consider a move for a former loanee, who has recently become a free agent after a spell with a Championship club.

Blackburn Rovers will be looking for improvement next season, after a hugely disappointing league campaign last term.

The Ewood Park faithful weren't shy in voicing their frustrations, especially with plenty of off-field instability, and it remains to be seen how they'll turn their fortunes around next season.

It'll be Blackburn's ninth season in the Championship this term, and it seems a tough ask for the Lancashire giants to force their way into the top-half of the table, particularly with how competitive the second tier will be in next year's league campaign.

Reinforcements are needed this summer, there's no doubt about that, but it's hugely important that Blackburn recruit smartly, otherwise, they could be facing a relegation-threatening year ahead.

One area that Blackburn should look at adding depth to is the centre of midfield, as the likes of Ryoya Morishita, Adam Forshaw, and Moussa Baradji could benefit from having competition for their spot in the starting XI.

There are plenty of options to choose from this summer, especially with lots of EFL experience now available as free agents after leaving their respective clubs.

Familiar face should be on Blackburn Rovers' radar on free transfer

Blackburn have had their fair share of loanees that have come and gone from Ewood Park over the years, with some making more of an impact than others.

Lewis Baker was previously on Blackburn's books on a temporary basis, with the former Chelsea youngster making 13 appearances for Rovers whilst on loan from Stoke City.

Baker was a great servant to Stoke, and scored 30 goals in 130 appearances for the Potters, after moving to the club after coming through the youth ranks at Chelsea back in 2022.

He was a regular in their team throughout his time with the Potters, and played his part in their push for a top-six finish last season, although an ankle injury picked up in November 2025 saw him ruled out for five months.

By the time he returned from injury, Stoke were considerably far away from the play-offs, and so you have to question whether Baker's absence was the key reason why they missed out.

He made 18 appearances for Stoke during the 2025/26 season under the management of Mark Robins, before departing upon the conclusion of his contract with the club.

Baker has spent the majority of his professional career in the Championship, and so he doesn't lack any experience at this level. Not only that, but he'd bring strong leadership qualities, having captained Stoke during his time with the club.

Lewis Baker would add technical quality to Blackburn's midfield

Blackburn recently released their retained list, with Rovers announcing that Sondre Tronstad would leave the club when his contract expired at the end of June.

Tronstad had been with the club since 2023, and his experience could be missed by Blackburn moving forward. Therefore, it's hugely important that Blackburn find a strong replacement for him this season, and Baker would be the ideal replacement for the Norwegian.

Baker knows the club well, and on a free, it should be a no-brainer for Blackburn to submit an offer to sign him ahead of the 2026/27 league campaign.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman will return to Birmingham City from his loan spell at Ewood Park, and so options in the centre of midfield are needed.

With the creative ability that Baker has in his locker, Blackburn can't afford to waste time in trying to sign the 31-year-old, as you would imagine that he won't be short of options from potential suitors.

If they're looking to head in the right direction next season, then signing a player of Baker's quality should be top of their priority list heading into the summer transfer window.