GUEYE GONE AND THEN NOT GONE!

Makhtar Gueye has not joined Kocaelispor despite significant interest from the Turkish side. It has been an entertaining 13 months and counting for the Senegalese frontman at Blackburn Rovers, and he has certainly become one of the squad’s most loved members!

A big character

Often seen cracking some jokes (usually ones that only Pape Gueye understands) with other members of the squad, Gueye always seems to have a smile on his face. His celebration in front of the Darwen End after he bundled the ball home against Preston North End left many people in a state of confusion. Again, another “Pape Gueye thing” that only Pape Gueye himself probably understood. On that occasion, no one really cared — John Eustace’s men had beaten the Lilywhites, and that was all that mattered.

His seemingly close relationship with Augustus Kargbo, who was unveiled on the night of Gueye’s winner against Preston, has led some fans to suggest we have found the modern-day ‘SAS’ — the nickname once given to the iconic Sutton and Shearer partnership. This is a special bond between two players who clearly have a lot in common. A bond that could well play dividends on the pitch. 

There were reports in the media that Makhtar has become frustrated with his lack of playing time at the club, especially after the arrival of Andri Gudjohnsen; however, this is seemingly not the case, with Valerien Ismael confirming to BBC Sport that “All the players we’ve now got are all the players who want to stay with us. That is a good sign now that we can really be focused on ourselves without having the risk of losing someone to a last-minute transfer,” in his pre-Watford press conference. That being said, the Saudi Pro League window remains open until Tuesday, 23rd September, so should the club's stance on Pape change, there is still an opportunity to move him along.

Mahktar made a significant contribution to last season's playoff push, finishing up with 6 goals and 6 assists. His key goals against Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth, Preston, and, of course, his brace at West Brom, all secured three points, which felt massive at the time. Whilst he is yet to get off the mark this campaign, I’m sure with time he will come good again! 

There is always a downside, or is there?

However, there is a downside to Pape staying. This could have been the chance for Igor Tyjon to step up. From the outside, he appears to be a well-rounded teenager who clearly has a lot of potential, and Valerien Ismael has clearly decided he is a player he wants to be in and around his first team. We saw Tyjon feature a lot recently, notably in the number 10 role in Todd Cantwell’s absence during Pre-Season. He obviously needs a chance to develop into a seasoned championship frontman, but is this something he is going to miss out on? His two goals and an assist whilst on international duties with the England U18's show he has that natural sight for goal, and therefore, should he be getting more opportunities? Or is it unfair to heap that much pressure on a 17-year-old? Not every youngster finds that breakthrough, and with such depth in attacking areas, is Igor’s development at risk of stalling? Zak Gilsenan, Harry Leonard, and plenty of others could tell you how quickly momentum can fade or injuries can take hold. 

The success of Adam Wharton, who is currently being linked with a summer move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, should surely offer motivation for the youngster to stay at the club. Furthermore, Wharton didn’t make his first team debut until he was 18. Has anyone heard of Rory Finneran in the last 12 months since he ran away to Newcastle? No, didn’t think so. What about Ashley Phillips? Oh yes, he is still stuck playing in the Championship.

But Igor could well be discouraged by developments in recent days. It is yet to be seen what role he will play this season, but I sure do hope he signs that new contract. We may well have the next Adam Wharton on our hands!