Ryan Alebiosu in action for Blackburn in 2026

Brentford and Rangers join race for Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu

Adem Ozcan Last updated: Jul 19, 2026, 1:49 pm
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Image: IMAGO / News Images

Blackburn Rovers are facing an increasingly difficult battle to keep hold of Ryan Alebiosu, with Brentford and Rangers becoming the latest clubs to register an interest in the highly-rated right-back.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a standout debut season at Ewood Park and is now attracting attention from both the Premier League and Scottish Premiership, adding to existing interest from clubs across Europe.

Brentford and Rangers monitoring Alebiosu

Scouts from Brentford and Rangers attended Blackburn's recent pre-season fixture to assess Alebiosu, although the defender was unavailable after missing the match through illness.

Brentford are believed to be searching for additional competition at right-back, while Rangers are planning for the future as they look for a long-term successor to club captain James Tavernier.

Their interest follows previous reports linking Alebiosu with clubs in Italy and Germany, highlighting how his stock has risen after an impressive Championship campaign.

Blackburn determined to keep their defender

Blackburn signed Alebiosu from Belgian club KV Kortrijk last summer in a deal worth around £500,000 after a successful loan spell at St Mirren.

The move quickly proved to be excellent value.

Ryan Alebiosu 2025/26 Championship
Appearances 39
Goals 1
Assists 5
International recognition Nigeria debut

His performances established him as one of the Championship’s most consistent attacking full-backs, earning international recognition with Nigeria and attracting transfer interest as early as January.

Blackburn rejected a reported €5 million bid from Genoa during the winter window, demonstrating their determination to retain one of the club’s most valuable assets.

Blackburn's negotiating position remains strong

Despite growing interest, Blackburn are not under immediate pressure to sell.

Alebiosu signed a three-year contract upon arriving at Ewood Park, with the club holding an option to extend the deal by a further 12 months. If that clause is activated, Blackburn would have him under contract until 2029, significantly strengthening their position in any negotiations.

Having narrowly avoided relegation last season, retaining key players has become a major priority as Tony Mowbray begins another spell in charge. The club are yet to make a significant signing this summer, with the permanent arrival of Moussa Baradji remaining their only completed incoming transfer.

That lack of recruitment makes keeping established performers such as Alebiosu even more important ahead of the new Championship campaign.

What's next?

Interest in Alebiosu is expected to intensify as the transfer window progresses. Blackburn are likely to resist any offers unless a substantial bid arrives, while Brentford, Rangers and several European clubs continue to monitor developments.

Whether Rovers can keep hold of one of their standout performers could prove one of the defining stories of their summer.

Should Blackburn reject every offer for Ryan Alebiosu, or is this the right time to cash in on one of their most valuable assets?

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