Blackburn Eye Bid for Experienced Championship Star

Rovers Moving In on Experienced Championship Defender

With Blackburn Rovers hovering around the business end of the Championship table, the onus is on them procuring new recruits as we head into the January transfer window.

With an eye being kept on the options available to them at centre-back amidst their battle to get up the table, Rovers have identified a move for an experienced Championship stalwart that may bolster their experience and options in the back line.

👏 Thank you for your support tonight and throughout 2025, #Rovers fans 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/5rhugVIrpj

— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) December 29, 2025

Blackburn Eye Up Gibson Move

Ben Gibson is the player in question, with Alan Nixon reporting on his Patreon that Blackburn are eyeing up a potential move for the Stoke City defender.

The 32-year-old is contracted to the Bet365 Stadium until the end of next season, meaning he has over a year remaining to run down his deal in Staffordshire. However, under Mark Robins, the former Norwich defender has struggled to get consistent minutes with him being limited to just two appearances in all competitions - both of these have come by way of the Carabao Cup.

Regarding his Stoke City future, Nixon has reported that Rovers manager Valerien Ismael wishes to lure him over to Ewood Park amidst the winter window.

Last time out, Blackburn were held to a 0-0 draw with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Monday night, settling for a point that leaves them positioned in 19th after 24 rounds in the English second tier, five points clear of the relegation zone.

Will Blackburn Sign Ben Gibson?

Blackburn Rovers would welcome Gibson as a supplement to their defensive options available, providing more competition and depth amidst the defensive line should he head to Ewood Park.

Furthermore, with over 400 games under his belt across his career, he would add a dose of valuable experience into the starting XI.

The Middlesbrough-born defender should probably make the change and head away from Staffordshire sooner rather than later. This season, he has only played a bit-part role and has found it tough to find consistent minutes over the course of the campaign.

Blackburn are making a move for Stoke's Ben Gibson.

Rovers want experience at the back, with Gibson barely featuring this season.

A loan deal could suit all parties with him being on high wages, with business close to being done.

Source: Alan Nixon

🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/od07SNNvOT

— We are Stoke (@weare_stoke) December 29, 2025

In his past, Gibson has appeared for the likes of Middlesbrough, Burnley and Norwich City, making 67 Premier League appearances for the former and latter combined. Stoke came in for him across June 2024, and he signed a three-year deal with the club at the time.

In Gibson's position, Blackburn do have a few options. Sean McLoughlin, Hayden Carter and Scott Wharton are amongst those at their disposal when everyone is available.

If Gibson were to head to Lancashire, he would provide an alternative option that would prove handy as Blackburn look to put some space between themselves and any worries over relegation.

Blackburn Rovers are next taking part in action on New Year's Day after their bore draw with Sheffield Wednesday - they will host an in-form Wrexham side at Ewood Park.