Blackburn is considering accepting bids for Todd Cantwell and another key first-team player.

Blackburn Rovers are reportedly willing to cash in on key first-team players Todd Cantwell and Ryan Alebiosu this summer as the club look to generate funds ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Sources have informed Football Insider that Blackburn are now prepared to entertain offers for both players as part of a wider strategy to raise money through player sales while reshaping the squad during the upcoming transfer window.

Cantwell, who is currently one of the club’s highest earners at Ewood Park, could be sacrificed in an effort to reduce the wage bill while also bringing in a transfer fee before his market value begins to decline.

Meanwhile, Blackburn’s stance on Alebiosu has also shifted significantly after they previously rejected lucrative offers for the defender during the January transfer window.

At that stage of the season, Rovers were unwilling to lose one of their important first-team players midway through the campaign. However, the club are now believed to view both Cantwell and Alebiosu — along with several other senior players — as valuable assets who could be sold for significant profit this summer.

Blackburn Looking To Avoid Losing Cantwell For Free

One major factor influencing Blackburn’s thinking regarding Cantwell is his contract situation.

The former Norwich City and Rangers midfielder remains under contract at Ewood Park until 2027, meaning this summer may represent Blackburn’s final realistic opportunity to secure a sizeable transfer fee for him.

Talks over a new contract extension have reportedly stalled, causing growing uncertainty surrounding the player’s long-term future at the club.

Although Cantwell has remained an important part of Michael O’Neill’s side throughout the campaign, Blackburn are increasingly concerned that delaying a decision could eventually result in the midfielder leaving for nothing.

As a result, club officials are understood to believe it may now be smarter financially to cash in while his value remains high and remove his substantial wages from the books at the same time.

Should Blackburn fail to attract serious offers during the summer transfer window, they risk allowing a major asset to edge closer towards free agency without generating any return.

That is a scenario the Championship side are keen to avoid.

Alebiosu Could Command Major Fee

While Cantwell’s contract situation is creating urgency, Alebiosu represents a different kind of financial opportunity for Blackburn.

The 24-year-old defender is contracted until 2028, placing the club in a strong negotiating position if teams come forward with interest this summer.

Football Insider previously revealed in January that Blackburn had rejected an offer from Genoa for Alebiosu during the winter window.

Sources claimed the Italian side’s proposal was worth around £4.3 million, but Blackburn were unwilling to weaken the squad midway through the season.

Now, however, the club are believed to be more open to discussions regarding the defender’s future.

A similar offer during the upcoming summer window could be enough to convince Blackburn to sanction a sale, especially given their desire to generate funds for reinvestment into the squad.

Any money raised through player departures is expected to be used to strengthen Michael O’Neill’s team ahead of next season as the club aim to remain competitive in the Championship.

Strong Numbers From Both Players

Both Cantwell and Alebiosu have been influential performers for Blackburn during the 2025/26 campaign.

Cantwell made 29 appearances throughout the season, starting 22 matches and accumulating 2,098 minutes on the pitch.

The attacking midfielder contributed five goals and three assists, underlining his importance within Blackburn’s attacking setup despite uncertainty over his long-term future.

Alebiosu, meanwhile, played an even more prominent role in the squad.

The defender featured in 40 matches and started 37 of those games, clocking up an impressive 3,227 minutes over the course of the campaign.

Although he scored only once, Alebiosu also contributed five assists and established himself as one of the most dependable players in the side.

Those performances have naturally increased interest in the defender, with Blackburn aware they may be able to secure a substantial fee for him while his stock remains high.

Interest Building Around Cantwell

Football Insider first reported back in February that Blackburn were becoming increasingly open to selling Cantwell this summer after contract negotiations failed to make progress.

Initially, O’Neill and the Blackburn hierarchy had hoped to retain the midfielder and continue building the squad around him.

However, repeated delays in agreeing fresh terms have gradually changed the club’s position.

Blackburn now reportedly accept that selling Cantwell could be the best available solution for all parties involved.

The former Rangers midfielder is believed to be attracting attention from several clubs both in England and overseas ahead of the transfer window opening.

At one stage, there were suggestions that Cantwell could potentially return to Rangers despite his controversial departure from Ibrox.

The midfielder had previously enjoyed a successful spell in Glasgow before eventually leaving the Scottish giants under difficult circumstances.

However, later reports suggested Rangers are no longer interested in bringing the player back after relationships between Cantwell, the club and sections of the fanbase deteriorated towards the end of his time there.

Championship And Overseas Clubs Monitoring Situation

Even if a return to Rangers is unlikely, Cantwell still appears to have no shortage of admirers.

Sources indicate that multiple clubs in the Championship are monitoring his situation closely as they weigh up possible summer moves.

There is also believed to be interest from abroad, with Cantwell’s technical ability and experience making him an attractive option for clubs searching for creative midfield reinforcements.

For Blackburn, the coming months could therefore prove crucial as they attempt to balance financial realities with ambitions on the pitch.

Selling high-profile players such as Cantwell and Alebiosu would undoubtedly represent a gamble, particularly given the influence both have had on the squad this season.

However, Blackburn appear increasingly prepared to make difficult decisions in order to reshape the squad, reduce costs and create funds for reinvestment ahead of another demanding Championship campaign.