Francis Jeffers issues bold Blackburn Rovers, Rangers transfer prediction

Former Blackburn Rovers and Rangers striker Francis Jeffers believes that Todd Cantwell, who joined Blackburn from the Glasgow giants on transfer deadline day, could prove to be the signing of the season.

After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, John Eustace’s team has had a strong start to the new Championship campaign, remaining unbeaten in their first four games before the international break.

Blackburn fans were likely satisfied with their side’s 1-1 away draw against fierce rivals Burnley on August 31st, especially as they managed to hold on for a point despite Makhtar Gueye’s red card in the 57th minute.

While Rovers can be pleased with their start, having secured eight points from a possible 12, they will be hoping that new additions like Cantwell and Lewis Baker can make a significant impact this season.

Jeffers makes bold Cantwell prediction

In an exclusive interview with Football League World, Jeffers remarked, “Cantwell has previously demonstrated his quality at Norwich. He just needs regular game time and to regain his confidence, and he can deliver top-notch performances consistently.

“By the end of the season, this could prove to be one of the best signings.”

According to the Independent, Cantwell submitted a transfer request to Rangers before making his move back to English football, so he’ll be especially eager to make an immediate impact at his new club.

Cantwell will hope to re-establish his old Norwich City form

The former England Under-21 international is well-known to Championship fans from his time at Norwich, where he progressed through the academy and became a key player for the first team.

In his later years with Norwich, Cantwell struggled to make an impact, failing to contribute a goal or assist in eight Premier League appearances during the 2021/22 season before being loaned to Bournemouth in January 2022. His spell with the Cherries was also disappointing, with no goals or assists in 12 Championship games.

Upon returning to Norwich for the 2022/23 season, Cantwell again struggled, failing to contribute in 18 Championship appearances, which led to his transfer to Rangers in January 2023.

Despite these recent setbacks, the 26-year-old previously showed his potential at Norwich. During the 2019/20 Premier League season, he scored six goals and provided two assists in 37 appearances, even though Norwich was relegated. He then played a key role in Norwich’s promotion, scoring six goals and assisting six more in 33 Championship games during the 2020/21 season.

Blackburn fans will be hoping that Cantwell can rediscover the form he showed at Norwich and help the team achieve a successful end to John Eustace’s first full season in charge. Cantwell also had a productive spell with Rangers last season, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in the Scottish Premiership, and finding the net in the Europa League. Ewood Park supporters will be optimistic that he can deliver similar performances in the Championship this season.

Eustace and his team face a tough challenge in replacing Sammie Szmodics, who departed for Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town after netting 27 goals in the Championship last season. However, the arrival of Cantwell could help mitigate this loss, especially if he can fulfill Jeffers’ optimistic prediction and establish himself as one of the standout signings of the summer.

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