Blackburn Rovers news: Ryoya Morishita completes move to Ewood Park as John Buckley joins Saudi Pro League side

28 Aug

Blackburn Rovers have been incredibly active this summer, having completed their eight summer signing.

Valerien Ismael has been keen to bring in competition out wide for a long time, and Ryoya Morishita looks like the man to solve that issue.

The Japanese forward joins from Polish side Legia Warszawa for a fee of around £2million.

“I want to help Blackburn Rovers as much as possible, so it means I have to score, I have to assist,” said the 28-year-old.

“It was a very special season for me.

“My coach at Legia [Warszawa] changed my position from wing-back to winger, or a number eight.

“In the end, I think I can now play everywhere, this is another way I can help.”

MORE ROVERS NEWS: Blackburn Rovers news: Who are on Rovers’ radar? Valerien Ismael keen to bring in winger

What will Ryoya Morishita bring?

It is safe to say that Morishita is labelled as a utility player who can be deployed in several important positions.

Following a position change last term, the Japanese forward grabbed 28 goal contributions.

Morishita is certainly an exciting player who could easily link up with fellow countryman Yuki Ohashi.

However, the Japanese international could struggle for minutes if the form of Blackburn’s current forwards continues to thrive in the Championship.

Ryan Hedges, Augustus Kargbo and Todd Cantwell have all played well so far this season, meaning there will be plenty of healthy competition.

John Buckley departs

Earlier in the transfer window, Ismael made it clear that John Buckley and Aynsley Pears were surplus to requirements.

Now, the Englishman has completed a move to the Saudi Pro League.

The 25-year-old, who came through Rovers’ academy, has joined Al-Kholood for a fee of £1million.

Upon leaving his boyhood club, Buckley said: “I’ve been here for 20 years.

“I have some really good memories and have met some really good people along the way.”

The midfielder jas been at the Lancashire club since the age of six and has spent a long time searching for first-team football.

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Thomas Robinson is a sports journalism student at the University of Lancashire and supports Blackburn Rovers.

He enjoys F1, darts and European football, following Borussia Monchengladbach, Malaga and AS Monaco.

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