Blackburn Rovers told to make Sondre Tronstad move amid Todd Cantwell news - "It would be a shame" | OneFootball

FLW's Rovers Fan Pundit has urged the Lancashire outfit to do two things

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Blackburn Rovers find themselves at somewhat of a crossroads when it comes to the contracts of two key midfield players, Todd Cantwell and Sondre Tronstad.

Although captain Cantwell has another year left on his deal, and Tronstad does not, Rovers are reportedly weighing up the idea of cashing in on their skipper in the summer, as per Football Insider.

Said report came after the club’s head of football operations, Rudy Gestede, publicly admitted that Blackburn have pushed their wage structure as far as they can when it comes to a new deal for the 27-year-old.

Gestede also said earlier on in the season that the more defensive-minded Tronstad is expected to leave on a free transfer when his deal expires, explaining that the Norwegian midfielder wants to return to Scandinavia.

But that was back in September, and for FLW's Rovers Fan Pundit, Simon Middlehurst, there's little debate over which one out of the two they should focus on tying down.

Blackburn Rovers urged to "scrap" trying to keep Todd Cantwell

Middlehurst is adamant that Rovers should not be bending over backwards to change Cantwell’s mind.

"100% I think Blackburn should scrap trying to keep Todd Cantwell," the Fan Pundit told FLW, who's convinced that if you asked other Blackburn fans they'd have the same opinion.

"If you ask any Blackburn fan - out of the two players which one they’d rather keep - Sondre Tronstad would be the number one choice straight away."

In truth, Tronstad was initially billed as an under‑the‑radar addition when he signed a three‑year deal with the Lancashire outfit in June 2023 on a free transfer, bringing Eredivisie and European experience.

Yet, he has grown into one of their most important players, starting 98 of the 103 Championship matches he has played in since arriving from Vitesse.

"He’s made such an impact since he’s come to Blackburn, he’s definitely one of the first names on the team sheet when he’s fit, and he’s given everything to the club," Middlehurst added.

Blackburn Rovers should be doing 'everything they can' to change Sondre Tronstad's mind

As mentioned, Tronstad apparently doesn’t want to discuss an extension because, according to Gestede, the midfielder’s future is "not in this country".

But given the development around Cantwell, Middlehurst would at least like Rovers to make some sort of increased offer to the 30-year-old instead, even though he knows it'll be very difficult.

"So, Blackburn should be doing everything they can to keep him. However, I know he’s kind of said personal reasons are what's probably going to make him leave.

"The understanding is that his wife and child haven’t quite settled in the UK, so potentially he could move back to Scandinavia for them. It would be a shame to see him go but Blackburn should be trying everything possible to try and keep him," Middlehurst concluded.

Ultimately, Gestede’s earlier comments make it clear Blackburn cannot and will not change their wage structure for Cantwell.

According to Capology estimates, the ex-Norwich City star is the highest-paid player at the club on an estimated £30,000-per week, and that would be a significant amount to come off the annual bill if he were to depart.