Exclusive: Blackburn Rovers fired Dapo Afolayan warning despite fact he "smashed it at Bolton" | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively to FLW, Don Goodman has reacted to the news of Blackburn Rovers targeting former Bolton Wanderers winger Dapo Afolayan.

Don Goodman has given his verdict on Blackburn Rovers being linked with a move for £2 million-rated dynamic winger Dapo Afolayan.

Afolayan's story of becoming a professional footballer is no ordinary one.

At the age of 15, Afolayan moved to Canada and would spend time in Toronto FC's reserve squad, before moving back to England at 18-years-old to study Civil Engineering at Loughborough University, and would play for the university's football team whilst studying.

He caught the eye of Solihull Moors in the National League, signing for the club before going on to score 15 times and grab one assist in two seasons before West Ham United came calling.

After loan spells with Oldham Athletic and Mansfield Town, Afolayan headed to Bolton Wanderers on-loan in January 2021, and would impress so much that he would rejoin the Trotters on a permanent basis following the expiry of his West Ham contract.

Afolayan lit up League One with his performances, earning a move to 2. Bundesliga side St. Pauli in January 2023, and has since made 86 appearances for the German side, scoring 16 times and providing seven assists.

Now, a move back to England could be on the cards, with journalist Alan Nixon reporting that Blackburn are keen to bring Afolayan to Ewood Park.

Don Goodman gives his verdict on Blackburn Rovers' pursuit of Dapo Afolayan

In an exclusive interview with Football League World, Don Goodman has provided his opinion on whether Afolayan would be a good fit for Blackburn.

"It's been a wonderful journey for Afolayan, all the way from Solihull Moors in the National League and ended up in the Bundesliga with St. Pauli," said Goodman.

"[He] absolutely smashed it at Bolton, but it was in League One and a little bit in League Two.

"Again [he] smashed 2. Bundesliga, lots of goals, lots of assists, [he] obviously found it a bit more difficult and a bit more challenging in the Bundesliga, which is probably why St. Pauli are willing to listen to offers.

"Again, it's like any signing, these signings are calculated gambles. £2 million seems like quite a lot of money, if I'm honest.

"But, if Blackburn Rovers can get that dynamic winger that causes chaos, then I suppose it will be £2 million well spent."

Dapo Afolayan would strengthen Blackburn Rovers' attacking options

Blackburn have had a slow start to the new season, losing their opening three matches 1-0 away to West Brom, 2-1 at home to League One Bradford City in the League Cup and 2-1 at home to Birmingham City in the Championship.

Valerien Ismael's side responded to this poor start emphatically over the weekend, defeating Hull City 3-0 at the MKM Stadium, courtesy of goals from Ryan Hedges, Yuki Ohashi and Todd Cantwell.

Rovers' attacking options are somewhat lacking, however, with Augustus Kargbo, the aforementioned Hedges and Cantwell being the club's only real options out wide.

With Andreas Weimann and Tyrhys Dolan having left the club at the end of their contracts last season, this has left a void on either flank at Ewood Park, with someone like Afolayan able to fill it.

The 27-year-old is capable of playing on either flank and would bring ample EFL experience to the squad, albeit having never played in the Championship.

For just £2 million, Afolayan could prove to be a bargain signing this summer for any Championship side, and Blackburn should push to get a deal done in the final days of the window.