For the first time since 2017, Rovers closed three signings by the end of June.
Arnor Sigurdsson’s initial contract is just for a year, but the three are permanent additions, so Gregg Broughton and the Rovers recruitment staff have had a successful summer thus far.
They responded promptly to the regulatory change that created a whole new market and, as July draws nearer, a plethora of rumors.
Sondre Tronstad and Sigurdsson will join the squad early in July, fulfilling the club’s goal of three acquisitions before the end of June. Niall Ennis, the first player through the door, returned to training last week along with the rest of the team.
Following the extension of the FIFA judgment, Sigurdsson joins Rovers on a one-year deal, and Rovers have dealt directly with the player rather than his contracted club, CSKA Moscow.
Due to the Icelandic international’s contract expiring in June 2024, Rovers may begin discussions on a longer-term transfer on January 1st, which would take effect the following summer.
Despite the hot-bed of rumours, a period of calm could follow Sigurdsson’s addition as Rovers weigh up their next moves.
While the club are active in terms of their recruitment, no deals are understood to be close, though more are being targeted, with head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson keen to further strengthen a squad that finished seventh last year.
Due to the goal differential that prevented Rovers from finishing in the top six, Tomasson has prioritized expanding his attacking options. This is evident even with the addition of Ennis and Sigurdsson, who replaced top scorer Ben Brereton and Bradley Dack.
Early in the upcoming month, Brereton is anticipated to sign a long-term contract with Villarreal, while Dack is still considering his options and has expressed interest from two Championship clubs.
When it comes to new players, Rovers will once again rely heavily on the loan market. The team is anticipated to compete for Manchester City rookie Kian Breckin, but no decisions on Premier League players are anticipated until at least the middle of next month.
Andrew Moran (Brighton & Hove Albion) is of interest, while England youth international striker Sonny Perkins (Leeds United) has also been mentioned as a possible target.
Equally, George Cox, a free agent after leaving Fortuna Sittard, is also a player who Rovers have watched closely and a potential option in the quest to add to the options on the left side of the defence.
Operating with the same budget as last year, the outgoings of Brereton, Dack and Daniel Ayala have freed up room to manoeuvre when comparing the salaries of the incomings players to those leaving.
However, with three free transfers over the line, as part of a player-trading model they are looking to move towards, Rovers could see what happens with potential outgoings before pressing the button on more incomings.
Signing number four isn’t thought to be imminent therefore, even though things will continue to be progressed behind the scenes.
There were six signings last summer, with a similar number expected this time around.
Rovers split the 2022 business equally between permanent transfers and loans, though the three longer-term signings came at a cost of around £4.5m, with the trio thus far all being on frees.
Thomas Kaminski joined in with the group for pre-season training on Tuesday having been afforded some extra time off following his commitments with the Belgium national team.
