Blackburn Rovers are facing a challenging season both on and off the pitch. While fighting to avoid relegation in the Championship, the club is also confronting a growing issue away from matchdays: retaining key players.
Contract negotiations have stalled for some of their brightest stars, leaving the club vulnerable to interest from rivals who sense an opportunity.
One of the most high-profile situations involves Todd Cantwell, the 27-year-old former Norwich City playmaker.
With just a year remaining on his contract at Blackburn, he has attracted attention from multiple clubs, including Derby County and Wrexham.
Danny Röhl is also reportedly keen to bring the midfielder back to Rangers, where he previously enjoyed an 18-month spell and helped lift the Scottish League Cup.
Blackburn have reportedly offered Cantwell the highest wages possible within their structure, but, according to Rudy Gestede, the midfielder is not interested, leaving the club unable to compete financially with rival suitors.
His situation has made him one of the most closely watched players heading into the summer window, particularly for sides aiming to strengthen their attacking creativity.
Cantwell’s profile makes him an attractive target. A two-time Championship winner earlier in his career, he has built a reputation for vision, technical quality, and the ability to unlock compact defences.
Derby and Wrexham both view him as a player capable of adding composure and attacking thrust, someone who can influence tight matches and raise the technical level of a squad pushing toward ambitious objectives.
Blackburn’s recent history highlights why his situation is a concern. Over the past few seasons, several influential players have departed on free transfers, leaving holes in the squad and depriving the club of potential fees.
Last summer alone saw Lewis Travis, Callum Brittain, and Dominic Hyam leave as contracts ran down.
In addition, Tyrhys Dolan moved to Espanyol, while Danny Batth and Andreas Weimann also departed for nothing, illustrating the financial damage caused when key assets are not secured long-term.
As the transfer window approaches, Blackburn face a critical balancing act: persuade key figures to commit their futures or secure transfer fees before contracts wind down.
For Derby County, Wrexham, and other watching clubs, the situation presents a rare chance to recruit proven talent capable of making an immediate impact.
The coming months could prove decisive for Ewood Park.
With survival still the priority on the pitch and growing transfer interest off it, the club must navigate a delicate period that may shape both their short-term fortunes and long-term stability.
