Jordan Rhodes’ proposed transfer from Blackburn Rovers to Middlesbrough has fallen through, although the reason why remains somewhat unclear.
The Scotland international was all set to leave Ewood Park for the Riverside Stadium club who, considering their league position, would have offered him a better chance of Premier League football next season. However, despite telling Sky Sports he had passed a medical and agreed personal terms, he claims he was informed on Sunday that Boro had withdrew their offer.
Rhodes explained he was baffled by this decision, but Middlesbrough claim the transfer actually broke down because they were unable to agree a package with the striker. On their official website, they revealed on Sunday afternoon: “The club can confirm that we have held talks with Blackburn Rovers striker Jordan Rhodes over the weekend but have failed to agree terms.”
It is understood Rovers would have received an initial fee of £9million with £2million in add-ons for Rhodes, who has scored 85 goals in 169 matches for the Lancashire club since arriving from Huddersfield Town for £8million in August 2012. Although the collapse of the deal would usually be seen as good news for the club, the episode has caused frustration for Paul Lambert.
“This is the third window now where he has wanted to go and we felt it was right to give him that opportunity,” the Rovers manager told the club website. “After securing a good deal for the club, which would have enabled me to rebuild the squad, we allowed him to leave the team hotel on Friday night, but it appears that he could not agree personal terms with Middlesbrough.”
