Blackburn Interested in Marcus Antonsson

Marcus Antonsson has been a name that has been linked with a move away from Leeds United since what feels like right after the end of the January transfer window. This summer he’s been linked with a host of Swedish sides and now can add up an English team to the list the Lancashire Telegraph report that Blackburn Rovers, who were relegated from the Championship last season, are rumored to be interested.

However, the article says that talks of a move are premature at this point in time.

Blackburn’s move for Antonsson would be a loan move, and I think that could be the best option of Antonsson’s career. Marcus has said multiple times this summer that he doesn’t want to leave Elland Road, but the Whites have shown that they want to have alternative options at striker. Tony Mowbray’s side is looking to beef up their attack, as Danny Graham and Dominic Samuel are the only strikers on the clubs books. Letting Antonsson see if he can find his groove in League 1 should work well for both club and player, and it also gives Leeds a chance to see if Caleb Ekuban was a solid signing.

I want Caleb to be great, but a great season in the Albanian Superliga shouldn’t warrant a move to a Championship side who is vying for promotion when you can’t make an appearance for a team who finished mid table in Serie A. I see him as (for now) a replacement for Marcus Antonsson, which is a problem when Marcus Antonsson is still on this roster.

Antonsson has other suitors outside of Blackburn. Swedish club AIK have looked to sign Marcus on a permanent deal, with other Swede sides IFK Norrköping, Kalmar FF, and Hammarby all rumored to be interested as well. Before the news that Blackburn are interested in Antonsson on loan broke, I woulda told you that selling Antonsson is the best move for him. Now, I think I’m married to the idea of sending him out on loan to regain the confidence he had in Sweden and seeing if he’s worth it after a year away. He did get a squad number, so he’s doing better than another castaway from the club, Toumani Diagouraga.

Should Leeds send Marcus out on loan, or just get rid of him entirely? Let me know in the comments! MOT