Blackburn Rovers Tony Mowbray plots January raid on Sunderland

Having Blackburn Rovers under Tony Mowbray eyeing a January raid on Sunderland, the Championship club are reported to be targeting 21‑year‑old forward Timur Tutierov for a winter move. The striker, who has struggled for first‑team minutes at the Wearside club, could provide the creative spark Blackburn need to climb the table.

Why Blackburn target Tutierov

Tutierov primarily operates as a left‑winger but can also play on the opposite flank, as a number ten or even as a striker. During a loan spell at League One side Exeter City he scored three goals and supplied one assist in 17 outings, showing an eye for goal that matches Blackburn’s need for attacking depth.

Mowbray’s Sunderland link

Mowbray oversaw Tutierov’s signing when he was Sunderland manager in summer 2023, giving him first‑hand knowledge of the player’s development. His assistant Mike Dodds, a respected figure at Sunderland for nurturing young talent, also backs the potential move, reinforcing the club’s confidence in securing the Ukrainian.

A loan to the Championship is being explored, with Blackburn reportedly leading the race to sign the player before the window reopens. The club sits sixteenth in the Championship after two wins, three draws and three defeats in its opening eight league matches, making the addition of a versatile forward a priority.

Sunderland would benefit by offloading a fringe player and freeing up wages, while Tutierov would gain regular playing time in a competitive league. The experience could raise his profile and increase his market value, aligning with Sunderland’s longer‑term plans.

Jayden’s journalism path

Having covered Wycombe Wanderers for the Bucks Free Press on a couple of occasions, Jayden got his first break in writing in January 2024 with LookSportsMedia, now called ‘The Deck’. He then moved on to The Real EFL and Vital Wycombe Wanderers, before serving as FLW’s Wycombe Wanderers writer between July 2024 and July 2026, also joining the core EFL team in September 2024.

Jayden is now in his second season as Plymouth Argyle writer, having taken the role in May 2025 after enjoying his visits to Home Park during the 2024/25 season. He first appeared on the scene in Sep 2024 and his work has been followed by the Black fan community.

If Blackburn secure Tutierov, the club adds a dynamic forward to aid a push up the table, while Sunderland gains a player ready for regular Championship action. The move could shape both clubs’ fortunes as the season progresses.