Saudi Pro League side Al Kholood discussing £1m deal for Blackburn Rovers outcast John Buckley | OneFootball

Al Kholood are reportedly interested in Blackburn Rovers' John Buckley.

Blackburn Rovers midfielder John Buckley is reportedly of interest to Saudi Pro League side Al Kholood, with a fee of around £1m plus add-ons mooted.

That's according to journalist Alan Nixon, writing on his Patreon.

The 25-year-old Rovers academy product has been out of favour under Valerien Ismael, with just a solitary EFL Cup appearance v Bradford City to his name so far in the 25/26 season.

Saudi Pro League side Al Kholood show interest in outcast Blackburn Rovers midfielder John Buckley

Al Kholood, currently managed by former Oxford United boss Des Buckingham and captained by Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong, are competing in their second consecutive Saudi Pro League season, following promotion in 24/25.

The club are understood to be pushing to strengthen their midfield options before the close of the transfer window, with Buckley identified as a target as per Nixon's report.

It marks the latest twist in what has been a frustrating period for Buckley, whose game-time has diminished sharply since Ismael’s appointment.

Last season he made just 23 Championship appearances, and only three of those came under the Frenchman, with zero goals or assists to his name in the Championship last term.

In fact, Buckley hasn't registered a single goal or assist in the league since the 2023/24 season, despite having a loan stint with Sheffield Wednesday that season too, and last campaign's aforementioned blank too.

His difficulties were compounded when John Eustace, the manager who had given him more opportunities at Rovers, departed for Derby County in February.

Blackburn Rovers could sanction multiple exits before transfer deadline day - Buckley could be one of them

With just days remaining before the 1 September transfer deadline, Rovers appear ready to sanction exits for players outside Ismael’s plans.

Goalkeeper Aynsley Pears is another who could depart, though his potential suitors remain unclear.

Ismael acknowledged the ongoing speculation, admitting that outgoings could accelerate quickly in the final stretch of the window:

“Yes, at the minute, as I say, we have a lot of talk ongoing behind the scenes, you can imagine, in and out going,” he said via the Lancashire Telegraph on Saturday.

“But there’s nothing concrete and official now to say, so at the minute we can’t announce anything. So let’s see how the thing goes.

“But as you know, the thing may happen quickly and now, especially when you know that you still have one week, a little bit more than one week until the end of the transfer window.”

For Buckley, the chance to secure regular minutes abroad will be a major consideration after several frustrating months on the sidelines.

A move to Saudi Arabia would also surely provide significant financial incentives and a new challenge at a club looking to establish itself in their top-flight, under a respected English manager.

For Blackburn, meanwhile, it could represent an opportunity to move on a player who no longer figures in the manager’s plans.