Blackburn Rovers avoided relegation to League One under Michael O’Neill in an otherwise challenging season.

The Lancashire club nearly lost out on a play-off spot a year ago, but finished only five points ahead of the bottom three this year.

O’Neill replaced Valerien Ismael in February amid concerns over their league position, although it is unclear whether the Northern Ireland manager will remain in command through the summer.

Rovers will be looking to construct a club capable of contending higher up the Championship table in the coming season.

However, the club’s financial situation may limit the amount of business it can do during the upcoming transfer window.

However, before any deals to bring in players can be arranged, the manager of Ewood Park for the following season must be determined.

Blackburn Rovers prepare for crucial player sales.

According to Football Insider, Blackburn want to trade Todd Cantwell and Ryan Alebiosu this summer.

It is reported that the Championship club wants to gain transfer fees for the pair in order to bankroll their own summer activities.

Last January, it was claimed that Everton and Wolfsburg were interested in Alebiosu, but Rovers were unwilling to lose him in the middle of the season.

Blackburn turned down an offer from Italian club Genoa valued at £4.3 million.

However, the Lancashire club is reportedly considering selling him once the season ends in order to raise funds.

The 24-year-old is under contract until June 2028, which means the club might make funds from a large sale that could then be reinvested back into the first team squad.

Alebiosu impressed for Blackburn this season, scoring once and assisting five times in 39 Championship matches.

Meanwhile, Cantwell will be available this summer as he enters the final year of his current deal.

The former Rangers great struggled to make an impact, appearing in 28 league games, scoring five goals and assisting three times.

With his contract scheduled to end in 2027, Rovers are eager to cash in on the playmaker, since this will be their final chance to pay for his services.

The transfer window will officially open on June 15th, while Blackburn awaits a decision on whether O’Neill will return as manager for the following season.

The loss of Ryan Alebiosu will be a blow for Blackburn.

Cantwell’s departure this summer makes sense for all sides, given he is entering the final year of his contract and this will be the club’s only meaningful chance to cash in on him.

But the sale of Alebiosu will be a significant blow, and O’Neill will undoubtedly need assurances that any proceeds from his sale will be reinvested in the team in order for him to stay.

It will be a difficult summer at Ewood Park, and the squad plainly requires investment in order to compete on a higher level.

The sooner a manager is chosen, the faster Blackburn can begin working on improving the team.