Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City are interested in signing former Millwall star, but only if certain conditions are met.

Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City are expected to be active in the transfer market this summer as both clubs attempt to avoid another difficult Championship campaign. After underwhelming seasons that saw each side spend significant periods looking over their shoulders, recruitment will be a major focus ahead of the new term.

Among the players attracting attention from both clubs is former Millwall defender Danny McNamara. However, reports suggest that any potential move will depend on one key factor, with neither Blackburn nor Stoke prepared to make a firm commitment until changes are made within their current squads.

Difficult Championship Campaigns for Blackburn and Stoke

Although both teams ultimately retained their Championship status, neither Blackburn nor Stoke can look back on the 2025/26 season with much satisfaction.

Blackburn endured a particularly difficult campaign and finished in 20th place, ending the season only five points clear of the relegation zone. The arrival of Michael O’Neill proved crucial, with the experienced manager successfully guiding the club away from danger after stepping into a challenging situation.

Stoke’s season followed a different path but ended with similar disappointment. The Potters appeared well placed to secure a comfortable top-half finish at various points during the campaign, only for their form to collapse during the closing months. They eventually finished 17th, eight points above the bottom three.

Injuries played a major role in both clubs’ struggles. Important first-team players missed lengthy periods of action, disrupting consistency and making it difficult for either side to build momentum. As a result, both teams are expected to strengthen several areas of their squads before the new season begins.

Danny McNamara Emerges as a Target

With preparations for the summer transfer window gathering pace, both Blackburn and Stoke are reportedly assessing the possibility of signing free-agent defender Danny McNamara.

According to reports from journalist Alan Nixon, the two Championship clubs have placed the former Millwall defender on their radar as they evaluate potential additions to their defensive departments.

While neither side is believed to be actively pursuing a deal at this stage, McNamara remains an option should circumstances change later in the transfer window. His availability on a free transfer naturally makes him an attractive proposition for clubs seeking cost-effective reinforcements.

End of a Long Association with Millwall

McNamara’s departure from Millwall marks the conclusion of a lengthy association with the South London club.

The 27-year-old spent his entire professional career under contract with the Lions and became a familiar figure at The Den over several seasons. Aside from temporary loan spells away from the club, he remained a loyal servant and accumulated substantial experience in English football.

His loan moves included periods with Newport County and Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone, experiences that helped him gain valuable first-team exposure during the early stages of his career.

Across all competitions, McNamara made 166 appearances for Millwall, establishing himself as a dependable option in defence and becoming a respected member of the squad.

Injuries and Competition Restricted His Opportunities

Despite enjoying many productive years at Millwall, McNamara’s progress has been hindered by injury issues in recent seasons.

A series of fitness setbacks limited his availability and prevented him from building sustained momentum. At a time when he was attempting to cement his place in the side, recurring injury concerns made it difficult to maintain regular involvement.

At the same time, competition for places intensified. The emergence of Tristan Crama at right-back significantly reduced McNamara’s opportunities during the most recent campaign.

With Crama establishing himself in the position and McNamara approaching the end of his contract, circumstances ultimately aligned to bring his Millwall career to a close.

Now a free agent for the first time in his professional career, the defender is searching for a new club where he can restart his career and secure regular playing opportunities.

Right-Back Already a Position of Strength

One factor complicating any potential move is that right-back is not an area of immediate concern for either Blackburn or Stoke.

Both clubs currently possess established first-choice players who have impressed over the course of the last season and appear firmly entrenched in their respective starting line-ups.

As a result, McNamara would likely arrive as a squad player rather than an automatic starter, making the financial and tactical considerations surrounding a move more complicated.

Ryan Alebiosu Impressing at Blackburn

At Blackburn, the right-back position has effectively become Ryan Alebiosu’s domain.

The Nigerian international joined the Lancashire club from Belgian outfit KV Kortrijk during the previous summer in a deal reportedly worth around £500,000. Since arriving at Ewood Park, he has developed into one of the team’s standout performers.

His displays have not gone unnoticed elsewhere. Interest in Alebiosu has emerged from several clubs, highlighting just how highly regarded he has become.

Both Everton and Wolfsburg were linked with the defender earlier in the year, while Italian club Genoa reportedly saw a bid worth approximately €5 million, equivalent to around £4.3 million, rejected by Blackburn.

Given his importance to the side, Blackburn are understandably reluctant to lose him. However, continued interest from elsewhere means the club may eventually have to consider their options if further offers arrive.

Junior Tchamadeu Established at Stoke City

Stoke also appear well stocked in the right-back department thanks to the continued development of Junior Tchamadeu.

The Cameroon international joined the Potters from Colchester United in the summer of 2023 and has progressed significantly since making the move to Staffordshire.

His performances have been sufficiently impressive to earn him a new two-year contract, underlining Stoke’s confidence in his ability and long-term importance to the squad.

With Tchamadeu firmly established as first choice, McNamara would likely face a similar challenge at Stoke to the one he would encounter at Blackburn.

Experience Makes McNamara an Attractive Option

Despite those obstacles, McNamara remains an appealing option for clubs seeking experienced Championship cover.

At 27 years old, he combines experience with plenty of years still ahead of him. Having accumulated more than 150 Championship appearances, he understands the demands of the division and would not require a lengthy adaptation period.

His experience could prove particularly valuable for clubs seeking greater competition within their squad or additional depth during a long and demanding season.

For Blackburn and Stoke, he represents the type of dependable and low-risk signing that can strengthen a squad without requiring a major financial commitment.

Transfer Depends on Player Departures

Although both clubs are monitoring the situation, reports indicate that neither is prepared to make a formal move immediately.

According to Nixon, Blackburn and Stoke would only seriously pursue McNamara if they first move players out of their existing squads.

That condition means no agreement currently appears close, and the defender may have to wait before discovering whether either club intends to advance their interest.

The situation also creates an opportunity for rival clubs to enter the race.

Competition Could Increase as Summer Progresses

As the transfer window develops, interest in McNamara could grow significantly.

Free agents with extensive Championship experience are often attractive options, particularly for clubs operating under financial restrictions or seeking value in the market.

If Blackburn and Stoke delay their decisions for too long, they risk seeing other clubs move ahead and secure the defender’s signature.

For that reason, both clubs may eventually need to reconsider their cautious stance if they genuinely view McNamara as a player capable of strengthening their squads.

Crucial Summer Ahead for Both Clubs

Regardless of whether McNamara arrives, Blackburn and Stoke face an extremely important transfer window.

Blackburn’s decline has been particularly concerning. Just one year earlier they were challenging for a Championship play-off place, yet they found themselves battling relegation this season.

Stoke’s struggles have been even more prolonged. The club has now spent a decade finishing in the lower half of the divisions in which it has competed, highlighting the need for meaningful change and improved recruitment.

Both clubs must recruit intelligently while also showing ambition if they hope to climb the table next season.

McNamara Could Be a Sensible Addition

While the prospect of signing McNamara may not generate widespread excitement among supporters, it could still prove to be a smart piece of business.

His Championship pedigree, defensive reliability and availability on a free transfer make him a practical option for clubs seeking depth and competition.

Neither Blackburn nor Stoke should view him as a transformative signing, but he could provide valuable support over the course of a demanding campaign.

As both clubs look to rebuild after disappointing seasons, Danny McNamara may be exactly the type of experienced squad addition capable of strengthening their defensive options and helping lay the foundations for a more successful year ahead.