Blackburn Rovers have secured 23 year old full-back Ryan Alebiosu on a three-year contract, with an option for a further year. The former Arsenal academy talent arrives after spells with Crewe Alexandra, Kilmarnock, Kortrijk and most recently St Mirren, where he spent the latter part of last season on loan from the Belgian side.
Standing at 1.88 m, Alebiosu brings physicality and technical training from his time at Arsenal, with over 60 senior appearances across UK, Belgian and Scottish leagues. The move signals Blackburn’s intent to reinforce their defence with promising young talent as they prepare for the 2025–26 campaign.
Editorial
We view Alebiosu’s signing as a calculated and forward-thinking move by Blackburn Rovers. Bringing in a player with solid academy pedigree, European experience and physical prowess suggests the team is planning wisely under budget constraints.
At 23, Alebiosu combines youthful energy with valuable senior match time. His time at Arsenal’s Hale End laid a strong technical foundation, while his loan spells—covering English League One, the Scottish Premiership and the Belgian top flight—provided diverse, tough environments to mature in.
Blackburn’s strategy under the Venky’s seems to favour ‘value acquisitions’ from across Europe rather than chasing expensive domestic targets. This fiscally prudent approach could yield both competitive and developmental returns, as evidenced by the structured £5 million cash injection recently reported.
Alebiosu’s versatility as a right-back, standing tall and technically adept, aligns with Ewood Park’s demands. He also mirrors players like Alex Iwobi who balanced English upbringing and Nigerian representation to build a professional identity rooted in dual development and cultural pride.
We believe Alebiosu is more than a squad addition; he’s part of a sensible blueprint. If he flourishes, Blackburn may well have unearthed a long-term asset worthy of both pitch impact and potential future transfer value.
Did You Know?
- Ryan Alebiosu spent 11 years at Arsenal’s academy, signing his first professional contract in 2020.
- He made his senior debut in League One with Crewe Alexandra in February 2022.
- At Kilmarnock, Alebiosu adapted to Scottish Premiership’s physical demands, featuring 23 times in the 2022–23 campaign.
- Blackburn’s recent £4.85 million fund boost was tied to eased financial guarantees from their Indian owners, the Venky’s.
- Alex Iwobi, who Alebiosu admires, switched from England youth representation to become Nigeria’s record Premier League minutes holder.
