Burnley issue raised as Blackburn Rovers plot move for Stoke City man | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers have targeted Stoke City centre-back Ben Gibson this January in a bid to bolster their defensive options

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...

Stoke City centre-back Ben Gibson looks to be on his way to Blackburn Rovers this January, with the former Burnley man having fallen out of favour in the Potteries since the arrival of Mark Robins.

According to Alan Nixon, Blackburn have made a move for Stoke defender Ben Gibson.

Gibson, who is on a whopping £35,000-per-week contract - as per estimates from Capology - has barely featured since the arrival of Robins in January 2025.

Injuries in the left-back position to Eric Bocat and Aaron Cresswell have afforded the 32-year-old some much-needed game time in recent games, albeit in a weaker position than what he is used to.

Stoke currently have no available senior full-backs in the squad, meaning Gibson has had to deputise there for Robins, though that now doesn't look like it will last much longer, with a move to Blackburn on the horizon.

Given his hefty wages and Blackburn's financial state, it appears as though a loan deal is the most likely option, with a deal between the two clubs well into negotiations ahead of the beginning of the January window.

Doubt is cast over Blackburn Rovers' move for Stoke City defender Ben Gibson

When asked whether they felt the signing of Gibson was a sensible one or an underwhelming one, Football League World's Blackburn fan pundit, Simon, said, "In regard to experience, it would be good because he has got quite a lot of experience at this level."Obviously, as well as playing for Stoke, he previously played for Norwich, as well, amongst a few other clubs at this level."The only downside for him is he's obviously previously played for Burnley as well, and obviously, with the rivalry between Burnley and Blackburn, I don't think it would be a signing that would win the fans over."In that instance, at the minute, there's a massive divide between fans and how the club's run, and fans boycotting home games and staying away, so it wouldn't be the best signing to make it at this time."

Ben Gibson will provide defensive cover for Valerian Ismael at Blackburn Rovers

With Scott Wharton and Hayden Carter currently out due to injury, Ismael has been forced to rotate his defence, with both Yuri Ribeiro and George Pratt having covered in their absence.

Gibson, a natural left-footed centre-back, would provide sufficient cover in the Rovers back line when called upon, whilst also offering excellent Championship experience, with over 250 second-tier appearances to his name.

As a short-term option, Gibson makes complete sense for Ismael, albeit it isn't the most exciting signing the Lancashire-based outfit will ever make, plus considering his past with Burnley.

Blackburn have identified key areas for improvement upon the start of the winter window, and have wasted no time by acting quick in a deal for Gibson.

Despite Stoke's lack of options at the back, it seems as though the Potters are willing to part ways for the defender for the next six months, who is under contract until the summer of 2027.

Thier willingness to allow Gibson to leave, even with their lack of current options, indicates that he is unlikely to play much, if any part of the club's plans moving forward, as Robins himself will no doubt be eyeing recruits upon the commencement of the January window.