Key Points
- · Andri Gudjohnsen, son of former Chelsea and Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen, has signed for Blackburn Rovers.
- · Blackburn Rovers completed the signing from Belgian club KAA Gent for an undisclosed fee reported to be around €2 million (£1.7 million).
- · The 23-year-old Iceland international joined on a three-year contract with a 12-month option.
- · Andri Gudjohnsen underwent a medical in England before the deal was finalised.
- · The signing aims to strengthen Blackburn's striker options for the 2025-26 season.
- · Andri Gudjohnsen featured in 46 games last season for KAA Gent, scoring 5 goals and providing 2 assists.
- · Blackburn Rovers manager Valérien Ismaël sees Gudjohnsen as a prospective talisman to boost the club’s ambitions.
- · Other Championship clubs like Preston North End and European clubs showed interest but Blackburn secured the transfer.
- · Andri recently joined the Iceland national squad for upcoming international fixtures.
What are the details of Andri Gudjohnsen's signing with Blackburn Rovers?
Blackburn Rovers have officially signed Andri Gudjohnsen, the Iceland international striker and son of former Chelsea and Barcelona legend Eidur Gudjohnsen. According to Blackburn Rovers' official announcement, Andri has put pen to paper on a three-year contract with an additional 12-month option after joining from Belgian side KAA Gent for an undisclosed fee.
Further reports from Belgian and English media confirm the transfer fee to be approximately €2 million (roughly £1.7 million). The Icelandic striker travelled to England to complete his medical tests prior to finalising the deal, as reported by journalist Sacha Tavolieri and sources like Sport Witness and The 72.
How significant is this signing for Blackburn Rovers' squad?
This signing is a strategic move by Blackburn Rovers' manager Valérien Ismaël to strengthen the club's attacking options heading into the 2025-26 Championship season. According to Sacha Tavolieri's reports, Rovers have been active in revamping their squad over the summer with multiple new signings across midfield, defence, and attack. However, Ismaël identified the need for fresh competition and a new talisman in the striker role to further boost promotion hopes.
Gudjohnsen's arrival is seen as a key addition, intended to complement players like Yuki Ohashi, Makhtar Gueye, and others. While Ohashi and Gueye showed promise in the previous season, the club is aiming to develop Gudjohnsen into a leading figure in their attacking line-up.
What has been Andri Gudjohnsen's recent football career performance?
Andri Gudjohnsen played 46 games for KAA Gent last season, scoring 5 goals and assisting 2, as per Transfermarkt stats highlighted in The 72's reportage. Despite a limited role in the current campaign at Gent, he remains a prominent figure on the Iceland national team roster, recently called up for the upcoming international break.
Which clubs showed interest in Andri Gudjohnsen before Blackburn Rovers' signing?
Before Blackburn secured the deal, other clubs expressed interest in Andri Gudjohnsen. Notably, Preston North End had attempted to sign him but were unsuccessful. Additionally, clubs from Europe, including Lech Poznan and FC Utrecht, monitored the striker's availability during this transfer window.
What are the implications for Blackburn Rovers' transfer window activity?
The signing of Andri Gudjohnsen is part of a busy close to the summer transfer window at Blackburn Rovers. The club may experience further outgoing and incoming activity, as certain players like young striker Leonard and goalkeeper Aynsley Pears might depart to gain more playing minutes elsewhere. Blackburn's ongoing recruitment drive aims to deepen squad options ahead of the season, with the striker acquisition considered crucial for achieving playoff ambitions.
What has Andri Gudjohnsen said about his move?
In Blackburn Rovers' official communications, Andri Gudjohnsen expressed enthusiasm about joining the club and the prospects ahead. Born in London, he highlighted his excitement to contribute to the team's success and his readiness to jet off on international duty with Iceland after signing.
How did the club and fans react to the signing?
Blackburn Rovers and their supporters welcomed Andri Gudjohnsen warmly. The club issued social media posts and official statements expressing delight at securing the Icelandic striker, affirming confidence in his potential to make a strong impact on the squad