Blackburn Rovers avoided relegation by beating Oxford United, but Tony Mowbray’s club and Queens Park Rangers may be interested in signing an Oxford player.

In 2026/27, clubs such as QPR and Blackburn Rovers will rely on clever recruitment rather than simply outspending their Championship competitors. With clubs having substantially more financial resources, both sides should frequently recruit younger players or those from abroad.

However, the best talent from League One, particularly players from relegated clubs who may be available for reasonable fees, is also a viable option. Those guys frequently arrive with a point to prove and the ability to develop into future Championship standouts.

It is an industry that has seen numerous success stories throughout the years. Neither QPR nor Blackburn require the largest budgets to compete for the top eight, but they must consistently find value where others do not look. A successful recruitment process can help to close a significant budgetary gap.

Blackburn Rovers and QPR are interested in Oxford United player Brian De Keersmaecker.

Despite Oxford’s relegation after only two seasons in the Championship, several players stood out. One was signed a year into their time in the second tier, with the club breaking their transfer record to sign Brian De Keersmaecker from Heracles.

According to the BBC, it smashed the £1 million they spent for Ole Romeny. The 26-year-old spent the season at the base of the midfield and was one of Oxford’s best technical players, despite only appearing 28 times for the team.

The two goals and five assists were insufficient to maintain his team in the division, but the midfielder is garnering interest from several clubs. Blackburn and QPR are among the clubs in England and abroad pursuing the Oxford ace.

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, they are only two of several clubs vying for De Keersmaecker’s signature this summer, with several German Bundesliga and Italian Serie A teams also interested.

Charlton Athletic have previously been linked with signing De Keersmaecker, with Oxford forced to sell due to the EFL’s current ban.

How are Blackburn and QPR fans reacting to Brian De Keersmaecker?

A number of QPR and Blackburn fans have already taken to X (previously Twitter) to respond to the transfer news, with the majority glad to see their club interested in the midfielder.

A final Blackburn response stated: “I connected with him before he moved to Oxford. If this is even possible, it should be the summer’s top priority.