Blackburn Rovers Make Jordan Ayew Move as Tony Mowbray Looks for Late Attacking Solution

The Ghana international is available after leaving Leicester City this summer, and Blackburn are exploring the possibility of bringing him in without a transfer fee.

For Tony Mowbray, the move would provide some much-needed experience and depth in attack after a summer transfer window that left significant gaps in his squad.

However, Ayew's potential arrival would also highlight the shortcomings of Blackburn's recruitment campaign.

Blackburn turn to free-agent market after difficult summer

Rovers signed only four players during the summer window despite needing considerable reinforcements.

Mowbray's appointment on June 5 left Blackburn working against the clock, with chief executive Steve Curwood later describing the recruitment process as "chaotic" and "frustrating".

Several deals failed to materialise, while targets including Reo Hatate and Brian De Keersmaecker ultimately went elsewhere.

Mowbray had wanted two further additions on deadline day, but Blackburn were unable to get those deals over the line.

That has left the manager looking towards the free-agent market now that the main transfer window has closed.

According to Nixon, Ayew is one of the players Blackburn are discussing a deal with.

Why Jordan Ayew makes sense for Blackburn

Ayew would bring a huge amount of experience to a Blackburn squad that has lacked established attacking depth.

The 36-year-old spent last season with Leicester City, making 42 Championship appearances, including 24 starts.

He scored six goals and provided three assists.

Those numbers do not suggest a prolific goalscorer, but Blackburn would be signing Ayew for considerably more than his finishing.

The Ghanaian can operate as a centre-forward or from either wing, giving Mowbray another option when injuries or tactical changes affect his attacking line.

His physicality and ability to hold the ball up could also offer Blackburn a different outlet in the final third.

Ayew still brings international experience

Ayew's experience extends well beyond the Championship.

He has spent more than a decade playing in English football, representing Aston Villa, Swansea City, Crystal Palace and Leicester City.

Before that, he played for Marseille and Lorient.

He has also earned more than 120 caps for Ghana, giving him considerable international experience.

Ayew remains a regular figure at that level and started all four of Ghana's matches at this summer's FIFA World Cup.

His performance as a lone striker in the goalless group-stage draw with England provided another reminder of his ability to lead the line against high-level opposition.

Blackburn need attacking reinforcements

The need for another forward has become increasingly apparent because of injuries.

Yuki Ohashi and Mathias Jorgensen have suffered setbacks, leaving Blackburn with limited options and academy players increasingly filling places on the bench.

That makes a free-agent addition particularly attractive.

Ayew would not require a transfer fee, while his experience could give Mowbray an immediate senior option without having to wait for another transfer window.

It would also give Blackburn greater flexibility across the forward line.

But Ayew would expose Blackburn's summer problem

There is an obvious downside to the timing of the move.

If Blackburn complete a deal for Ayew, it would provide Mowbray with a useful player — but it would also underline how much the club needed another attacker before the summer window closed.

The manager inherited a squad that required strengthening, yet only four players ultimately arrived.

With injuries now exposing the lack of depth, Blackburn have been forced to search for solutions after the deadline.

Ayew therefore represents both an opportunity and an admission.

He could help solve an immediate problem, but his arrival would not erase the recruitment difficulties that created it.

What happens next?

Ayew has other interest after leaving Leicester, meaning Blackburn will still need to convince the experienced forward that Ewood Park is the right destination.

Nixon reports that Rovers are hoping to complete the move after other transfer disappointments during the summer.

For Mowbray, the attraction is clear: Ayew offers Championship experience, international pedigree, versatility and physicality without a transfer fee.

Whether that is enough to get the deal over the line remains to be seen.

But with Blackburn already feeling the effects of their thin attacking options, the pursuit of Ayew could become one of the most important pieces of their post-deadline recruitment.

And if the Ghana international does arrive, Mowbray may finally get the experienced attacking reinforcement he was unable to secure during the summer window.