Blackburn Rovers boss Steve Kean has recently admitted that it will be difficult for Blackburn Rovers to retain the services of winger Junior Hoilett beyond this season.
Hoilett has been on scintillating form of late, bagging three of Blackburn’s four goals in the club’s last two games against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sunderland.
To perfectly honest, he has almost single-handedly led Blackburn to back-to-back victories in the English Premier League. Thanks to Hoilett, Rovers are now six points above the relegation zone.
Obviously, Hoilett is a huge part of the club’s attack. However, he’s got an expiring contract, which means that he will definitely be a hot commodity come the summer of 2012.
That being said, Blackburn will be owed compensation due to the fact that Hoilett is under the age of 24, but the club and Steve Kean would surely rather have him on their books than have him leave for greener pastures.
“We want him to stay here,” said Kean.
“He is playing out his skin. If he goes to another club will he play week in week out? I don’t know.”
He may not play week in week out at a bigger club, but he would certainly have more opportunities to play in competitions such as the UEFA Champions League or even the UEFA Europa League.
Furthermore, the bigger club that he may join will probably go farther in the FA Cup and the League Cup, giving Hoilett even more opportunities to succeed.
Subsequently, I think it would be good for Hoilett to join a club like Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs or Newcastle United.
With Hoilett on splendid form, the number of interested clubs will surely increase, but if Blackburn find a way to avoid relegation they have a chance to retain their 21-year-old starlet.
“If someone is out of contract, with the way he is playing, week-on-week there will be more teams,” Kean conceded.
“I don’t think we can prevent that. We hope we can get ourselves to a position of safety and make him an offer.”
Hoilett has recently been deployed as a support striker, playing just behind Yakubu in Blackburn’s attack.
In the past, Hoilett has predominantly played as a winger, but his versatility is certainly as asset that bigger clubs eyeing him will take into account.
“He likes playing wide, especially on the left when he can cut in on his right foot,” added the Blackburn boss.
“But when he is playing just off the front he has got good feet, good movement and can provide service for Yak and score himself.
“Yakubu and Hoilett are causing all sorts of problems for centre-backs.
“I think it will be hard not to play that partnership because they are scoring goals and putting each other in.”
Will Blackburn Rovers retain Junior Hoilett for next season?
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