Darragh Lenihan has confirmed his departure from Blackburn Rovers amid interest from West Brom and Premier League trio Leeds United, Newcastle and Wolves, writing on Instagram.
Jon Dahl Tomasson was only confirmed as the new Blackburn manager last week. But, in an early blow to his hopes of building on Tony Mowbray’s progress at Ewood Park, the Danish legend has already lost one of his key players.
Then again, it was no secret that Lenihan was expected to depart after over a decade at the Lancashire outfit. Tomasson would have known that from the get go.
Blackburn’s long-serving captain will become a free-agent on July 1. And he’s certainly not short of admirers either.
TEAMtalk reported earlier in the year that Newcastle, Leeds and Wolverhampton Wanderers have shown an interest in the Ireland international; A solid, reliable centre-half but one blessed with the sort of passing range usually demanded by top-flight clubs.
Darragh Lenihan announces Blackburn Rovers exit
“After 11 years and 252 games for Blackburn Rovers Football Club, my time has come to an end,” Lenihan wrote.
“I will be forever grateful to this club for giving me the opportunity of fulfilling my dream to become a professional footballer.
“This club will always be special to me, it’s the club that gave me my first start, it gave me friends that I now consider family, where I got married and had my children and above all gave me the great honour of captaining this incredible team.
“A special mention to the fans, you took me in like one of your own. I will never forget the support you’ve shown me at my time at the club and for that I want to say a huge thank you.
“I wish this club every success in the future.”
As things stand, it looks increasingly likely that Lenihan will still be a Championship player in 2022/23. West Brom are crying out for a reliable, vocal presence at the heart of their error-prone backline and Lenihan – one of the Football League’s most influential captains – would provide just that.
According to Gazette Live, however, Chris Wilder’s Middlesbrough are currently in pole position.
“Darragh has been a great servant,” says Blackburn director Gregg Broughton (Lancashire Telegraph).
“We wish Darragh the very best. And if he’s still playing in the Championship next year, I’m sure the fans will give him a warm welcome.”
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