Blackburn Rovers urged to land ex-Norwich City veteran or Stoke City player in £0 deal | OneFootball

FLW's Blackburn Rovers fan pundit feels that Jeffrey Schlupp or Aaron Cresswell would be key signings this summer at Ewood Park

Blackburn Rovers will need to improve over the summer to remain above the dreaded relegation line in what is expected to be yet another competitive Championship campaign in 2026/27.

Blackburn finished just five points above the drop last season, and with the expanded play-offs offering incentive for mid-table sides to improve, plus the quality of the three newly-promoted League One sides, a good summer window could make or break a campaign.

However, it seems that a lot of the business this summer may be done via the loan and free agent markets, with returning head coach Tony Mowbray admitting that Rovers won't have "bundles of cash to spend" ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

That doesn't mean that Blackburn will be starting on the back foot at all, though. Under Mowbray, the Ewood Park-based club developed a strong reputation for overseeing the development of numerous prospects from elite clubs, such as Harvey Elliott and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Plus, there are quite a few names in the free agent pool that could prove to be useful additions for Rovers this summer.

Blackburn Rovers fan pundit outlines Jeffrey Schlupp and Aaron Cresswell as two free agent targets this summer

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It can often go unnoticed how important having Premier League experience across the backline is in the Championship, especially for sides expected to battle against relegation.

While Rovers' main focus, you'd expect, would be to add goals to the side, after they netted the second fewest in the division, only scoring more than the depleted Sheffield Wednesday side, adding some veterans to the backline for free could also be something that Tony Mowbray explores in his first transfer window back at Ewood Park.

That's the opinion of FLW's Blackburn fan pundit, Simon Middlehurst, who outlined former Premier League winner Jeffrey Schlupp and former European champion Aaron Cresswell as two targets he wouldn't mind seeing at his club - albeit Cresswell is in discussions about potentially extending his stay at Stoke City for another season.

"There are a few experienced players there [in the free agent pool]. Jeffrey Schlupp is someone who I think could be really good," Simon told FLW.

"A really experienced player who has played at the top level and could potentially still do a job in the Championship as well. He'd be one who'd be very good.

"Position-wise, as well, that is a position we do need more people in. We struggled at times with leaking goals.

"Aaron Cresswell is another with a lot of experience to offer, too, so yeah, either of them would be great."

If money isn't as much of a luxury at Ewood Park this summer, perhaps investing the cash in a striker would be the optimal decision to make, leaving the rest of the squad's additions down to free agent or loan signings who could still offer something in the Championship.

With the likes of Tom Atcheson and George Pratt set to break into the squad more often next season, bringing in some veterans to guide them through the campaign may not be the worst decision Blackburn can make during the offseason.

Blackburn Rovers will need to guard against potential injury-prone players this summer, which could put them off free agent duo

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While there's no doubting the qualities that both Schlupp and Cresswell can bring to the table at Blackburn, they're both coming off the back of injury-plagued campaigns, and Rovers will need to be careful when assessing their options this summer.

Schlupp was one of the many Norwich City stars last season who spent lengthy times on the sidelines. His one year at Carrow Road saw him play just 11 times in all competitions, as a hamstring injury took him out from November all the way to late April.

As for Cresswell, the 36-year-old didn't have a long period out with injury as the former Norwich man did, but the full back had numerous periods, in the second half of the season, especially, when he wasn't available.

The left-back did contribute four assists in 25 league games for Stoke City, though, so he still has that creative edge that could benefit Blackburn going forward, especially with Ryan Alebiosu holding a similar threat down the right-hand side.

But, as is the case with any veteran free agent signing, Blackburn will need to be wary of the availability of the two full-backs. While a free transfer is very much a low-risk, high-reward situation, a long-term injury for either of the prospective signings would mark the move as a waste of time.