Fresh Makhtar Gueye exit update emerges at Blackburn Rovers | OneFootball

Makhtar Gueye could depart Ewood Park this transfer window

Blackburn Rovers outcast Makhtar Gueye could see his immediate future decided this transfer window amid reported interest from Chinese Super League outfit, Shanghai Shenhua.

That is according to Alan Nixon - via Patreon - which came just hours after the East Lancashire side suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Wrexham at Ewood Park in a lunchtime kick-off on New Year's Day.

It has been a season of inconsistency thus far for Valerien Ismael, who saw his side's currently poor run of form extend to just one win in their last nine Championship outings courtesy of first-half goals from Sam Smith and Ollie Rathbone for the Red Dragons.

It is also well-documented that the Frenchman doesn't have the luxury of strong sums of money to spend in a transfer window which could shape the remainder of Rovers' campaign as they look to steer themselves well clear of the relegation picture, as Norwich City are now just three points behind them in the final place within the relegation zone with 21 fixtures still to play.

Ismael's side have been amongst the lowest-scoring sides in the second tier so far this season too, meaning that it comes as very little surprise that talk of change in this particular department has come so soon after the window officially opened at the turn of the year on Thursday morning.

After signing in the first of John Eustace's two transfer windows before his controversial departure to Derby County 11 months ago, Gueye has seen his future become a hot topic of discussion ever since Blackburn's current boss took over the reins.

And, after becoming an outcast despite his club's aforementioned shortcomings in front of goal, the Senegalese frontman could be shifted off the wage bill altogether.

Makhtar Gueye exit talk at Blackburn Rovers re-emerges amid Shanghai Shenhua interest

After scoring six times and posting as many assists in his first 44 league appearances for Blackburn last season, Gueye became the subject of exit talk after the conclusion of the previous transfer window in England, which came on September 1st.

Indeed, it was reported that the 28-year-old was of interest to Turkish Süper Lig outfit, Kocaelispor, on a potential loan basis which included an option or obligation-to-buy at the end of the campaign.

A move for the former RWD Molenbeek striker never materialised, though, meaning he would have no option but to stick it out with the Ewood Park outfit for a matter of months at a bare minimum.

It is fair to say, though, that alongside Blackburn's overall inconsistencies and setbacks on the pitch, which has included two home game abandonments Gueye has endured an equally as frustrating first half of the season on a personal level.

So far this term, the forward has made 16 appearances in the Championship. However, none of those have come from the starting lineup, with his striking partners in the form of Yuki Ohashi and Andri Gudjohnsen being responsible for 14 of Rovers' 22 goals so far.

The last of those came through a six-minute cameo in the 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth on December 13th, before Ismael revealed he had not been picked for the subsequent three matches due to an issue with his performances in training.

Unsurprisingly, the striker was also absent from the New Year's Day defeat against Phil Parkinson's side, with it being claimed that Shanghai Shenhua are working on a deal which will see him move to the Chinese Super League.

Nixon's aforementioned report states that an approach has been made by the club who finished second in the division in 2025, and that they should be able to swiftly finalise a deal due to the finances at their disposal.

Blackburn Rovers, Shanghai Shenhua agreement for Makhtar Gueye makes sense for all parties

Despite his solid performances last season, such form hasn't been backed up by Gueye this time around, and it is clear that his actions have frustrated Ismael and a plethora of supporters, who demand plenty of effort and commitment.

With the aforementioned Ohashi and Gudjohnsen in relatively strong form despite Rovers' concerning league position and results, it would have taken a remarkable set of circumstances for the Senegalese to earn a maiden start of the league campaign anytime soon.

As such, the reported developments make sense for all parties involved, as Blackburn can shift an ESTIMATED £10,000 per week off their wage bill whilst potentially sourcing an adequate replacement.