Why Blackburn moving for Lewis Holtby would be a massive statement of intent

According to the Lancashire Telegraph, Blackburn Rovers are back in the market for former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lewis Holtby, with the report suggesting that manager Tony Mowbray is keen to bring the German to Ewood Park.

The 28-year-old, who is still a free agent following his release from Hamburger SV at the end of the previous campaign, was on Blackburn’s radar earlier in the summer, while Turkish giants Besiktas was also touted as a potential destination for the attacking midfielder. (h/t Lancashire Telegraph)

The same report claims that Blackburn Rovers are now the favourites to sign the German international and his status as a free-agent means that the Lancashire outfit will have no problems in registering him outside of the transfer window.

Holtby rose to prominence with Schalke in the German Bundesliga and also spent time on loan at Mainz and Vfl Bochum in the top-flight before completing a move to the Premier League with Spurs back in January 2013.

Despite being tipped to be the next big thing in North London, Holtby’s career in English football failed to take off due lack of regular opportunities and, while he did show glimpses of his brilliance in his patches, the diminutive attacking midfielder was eventually deemed surplus to requirements at the club following the end of his loan spell at Fulham.

Having failed to secure a role at Spurs, Holtby returned to his homeland with Hamburger SV in 2014, initially on loan before making his stay permanent and somewhat resurrected his career.

However, as the story goes, Holtby might be offered a second chance to prove his credentials in English football, albeit in the Championship this time around, with Blackburn prepared to bring him on a free transfer.

To put things into perspective, Blackburn moving quickly to complete a deal for Lewis Holtby would be a massive statement of intent from the club and one that might just transform them into promotion contenders in the near future.

In Bradley Dack, Blackburn have got one of the most influential No.10s in the Championship but they do not have too much depth in that position and Holtby, with his versatility to switch between wide and central attacking roles, should be a quality addition to Tony Mowbray’s ranks.

A tricky playmaker with a good range of passing and an innate ability to create openings in the final third,  the left-footed ace is capable of making a big impact with goals and assists.

Blackburn have won thrice in their first seven games in the Championship this term but the arrival of Holtby could spark a remarkable turnaround of fortunes at Ewood Park and they might as well launch an unlikely surge for promotion if the German manages to hit the ground running on his return to English football.

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Still only 28, Holtby has a lot to offer and the Blackburn would make themselves look foolish if they let the opportunity to bring in a player of his quality for free pass by without making a wholehearted effort.