Blackburn Rovers Aim to Replicate £16.5m Boost from Academy Star: Insights
Phil Jones stands out as one of Blackburn Rovers’ top academy talents in recent history, with the future England international fetching the club £16.5m when he transferred to Manchester United in 2011.
Phil Jones joined Blackburn Rovers in 2002 and stood out in the academy until his first-team debut in 2009. The versatile defender made a significant impact, catching the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson, which ultimately led to his transfer to Manchester United.
Since their promotion from League One in 2018, Blackburn has been a Championship club, making the production of homegrown talent crucial. This approach not only strengthens the squad with quality players at no cost but also provides vital funds through player sales, as seen with Jones.
The importance of developing young players cannot be overstated, especially for a club in their position. Selling talented players like Jones can provide a much-needed cash boost to help propel the club forward.
Football League World looks back on Jones’ tenure at Blackburn and considers which emerging talents might be ready to follow in his footsteps soon.
As the club continues to focus on its academy, the hope is that more players will rise through the ranks, contributing both on the pitch and financially.
Jones’ talent should not be overlooked.
Football can be unforgiving, often denying players the careers they deserved, and Jones is a prime example.
At just 33, he reached the pinnacle of the sport, but persistent injuries severely hindered his progress and playing time.
A mix of issues, including hamstring, ankle, and a knee injury that sidelined him for 20 months, ultimately led to his retirement in August 2024.
While this aspect of his career will dominate discussions, it’s important not to overlook how exceptional Jones truly was.
Jones’ Career Stats (per Transfermarkt)
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackburn Rovers | 40 | 0 | 0 |
| Manchester United | 229 | 6 | 8 |
As a teenager, Jones made 40 appearances for his boyhood club, with 35 of those in the Premier League. During his time at Manchester United, he spent over three years sidelined due to injuries (per Transfermarkt). Despite this, achieving 229 appearances for the Red Devils is an impressive feat that speaks to his talent.
United, with their resources, could easily have replaced an injury-prone defender like Jones, but they chose to remain patient with him throughout his career.
Jones earned 27 caps for England and was included in the squads for the 2012 European Championships and the 2014 World Cup. When he moved to Old Trafford, he was regarded as one of the brightest young talents in English football, and he might still be competing at an elite level today if not for his injury setbacks.
Zak Gilsenan shows great promise if he can maintain his fitness.
Zak Gilsenan, an Irish youth international, demonstrated his potential during two years at Barcelona and five years at Liverpool before joining Blackburn in 2019. He signed his first professional contract at Ewood Park in May 2021, but later that year, he faced a setback with an ACL injury.
This injury kept him out of action until the summer of 2022, but Gilsenan’s talent remained evident as he made strides in his recovery and aimed to make an impact with the team.
After recovering from a serious injury, the versatile forward continued to shine in Rovers’ academy, making his professional debut in an EFL Cup match against Walsall in August 2023. Last season, he made five first-team appearances, contributing two goals and one assist in the Carabao Cup, alongside two additional appearances in the Championship.
His performances also stood out in the Premier League 2, where he netted seven goals in just nine outings. This impressive showing highlighted his potential as a key player for the future.
However, after missing the start of the 2024/25 season due to a muscle problem, the club is anticipated to take a cautious approach, ensuring they nurture their talented young Irishman back to full fitness.
Tyrhys Dolan could bring Blackburn Rovers a significant financial return.
A Blackburn academy product since 2020, Tyrhys Dolan has made a significant impact at Ewood Park, emerging as one of the most underrated young talents in the Championship.
Dolan’s Blackburn Championship Career Stats (per FotMob)
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23/24 | 36 | 5 | 4 |
| 22/23 | 40 | 4 | 6 |
| 21/22 | 34 | 4 | 3 |
| 20/21 | 37 | 3 | 2 |
The attacking midfielder has been pivotal to Rovers’ offensive strategy since his debut, but with just six months remaining on his contract in January, the club may consider selling if an extension isn’t reached.
Given his consistent and reliable performances at the Championship level, Tyrhys Dolan has shown significant potential for improvement in the coming years. This makes him an appealing target for clubs willing to invest a substantial fee in the near future.
Igor Tyjon Could Have the Highest Potential of Any Rovers Youngster
While the name Igor Tyjon may not resonate with football fans beyond Blackburn, those associated with the club recognize the special talent they may have in him.
As an England youth international, Tyjon is a striker with a natural instinct for finding the back of the net. His impressive potential has begun to attract attention from top clubs, including Manchester United, which is reportedly interested in him.
Tyjon, who won’t turn 17 until March, made his professional debut this season, coming on as a late substitute in Blackburn’s 3-0 home victory against Bristol City in September. He also participated in Championship matchday squads last season.
This debut made him the third-youngest player in Blackburn’s history, and it seems likely he will create even more history in a Rovers shirt in the years to come.
When considering player exits, Rovers should always keep Jones in mind as a benchmark.
Source: https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/blackburn-rovers-will-hope-to-emulate-windfall-man-united-phil-jones/
