Dan Barnes

Blackburn Rovers head coach Tony Mowbray believes Sam Morsy could become a critical signing after the experienced midfielder joined on a free transfer and made his debut against Wolves. Mowbray said Morsy’s nearly 600 appearances and Championship experience should help a squad adjusting to the league’s demanding schedule. Blackburn remain interested in adding more players but face financial constraints, particularly on wages, and are looking for undervalued talent. Mowbray also indicated that midfield competition is increasing as several players return to fitness.

Sky Sports analysts Curtis Davies and Jobi McAnuff questioned the decision to award Wolverhampton Wanderers a late penalty against Blackburn Rovers. Ryan Alebiosu was penalised for handling Jackson Tchatchoua’s cross, but the pundits believed Alebiosu was outside the penalty area and that referee Farai Hallam could not have been certain of the correct call. They suggested a free kick would have been a more defensible decision.

Wolves manager Cesar Peixoto said his side’s late draw with Blackburn Rovers was not the result they wanted, despite earning a stoppage-time equaliser through Raul Jimenez’s penalty. He felt Wolves were the better team in the first half and created more chances, but criticised their loss of organisation and composure after conceding. Peixoto said the team must improve its aggression, positioning and ability to maintain its playing identity throughout 90 minutes, while also acknowledging Blackburn’s threat and insisting Wolves had been the stronger side overall.

Blackburn Rovers looked capable of improving their attacking output in a 2-2 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Sean McLoughlin and Andri Gudjohnsen scoring after Marshall Munetsi had opened for Wolves. Blackburn impressed through Dapo Afolayan, Ryoya Morishita and Ryan Alebiosu, while Gudjohnsen’s return from injury provided a clinical focal point. However, Raúl Jiménez’s late penalty, awarded after Alebiosu handled in the box, denied Rovers victory. The result highlighted Blackburn’s progress in attack but also their continuing need to eliminate late concessions.

Burnley have signed 18-year-old Kazakhstan international forward Dastan Satpayev from Chelsea on a season-long loan. Satpayev, who joined Chelsea after impressing at Kairat Almaty, is Kazakhstan's youngest senior international and has scored in both the Champions League and a World Cup qualifier. He will join Nicky Hayen's squad ahead of Burnley's Championship opener against West Ham United. Burnley also announced the loan signing of Manchester City defender Max Alleyne.

Burnley have signed 21-year-old defender Max Alleyne from Manchester City on a season-long loan ahead of their Championship opener against West Ham United. The England Under-21 international previously spent part of last season on loan at Watford, where he made 17 appearances, before returning to City and making his senior debut. He also scored his first senior goal for City and featured in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle. Alleyne becomes Burnley’s fourth summer signing.

Burnley Football Club has terminated its shirt and training-wear sponsorship agreement with Finotive One shortly before the new season, after the sponsor’s branding disappeared from broadcast graphics and team equipment. Vertu will become the club’s new principal front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2026/27 campaign. Fans who bought replica shirts carrying Finotive branding can receive a full refund, exchange them for Vertu-branded versions or have the new branding applied free of charge.

New Blackburn Rovers midfielder Sam Morsy says he is ready to make his debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Championship opener after preseason training and friendly appearances. The match has added personal significance because Morsy grew up in Wolverhampton and was part of Wolves' academy from ages seven to 16. He acknowledges the difficulty of facing a team recently in the Premier League but believes Blackburn must maintain togetherness, resilience and attacking quality.

Dapo Afolayan believes a full pre-season and greater familiarity with Blackburn Rovers can make him feel like a new signing after a difficult start at Ewood Park. The winger is encouraged by Tony Mowbray’s return and shares the manager’s ambition for Blackburn to play attacking, entertaining football and reconnect with supporters. Afolayan also praised the coaching staff and welcomed former West Ham teammate Jayden Fevrier, whom he sees as a hardworking and promising addition to the squad.