Time to Cashin: Blackburn Eye Brighton Centre Back

Birmingham Centre Back Cashin Nearing Championship Loan Takeover

It is no secret that Blackburn Rovers need reinforcements sharpish - 20th in the Championship, and just four points clear of the relegation zone, Valérien Ismaël’s side have looked like relegation contenders all season, a far cry from their promotion hunt just last season.

Fortunately, with the January transfer window now open, Ismael has the perfect opportunity to bolster his squad in a bid to avoid the threat of relegation, and it is clear to anyone with a set of eyes that the backline should be his priority.

Blackburn Rovers have set their sights on Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Eiran Cashin. Rovers are interested in a loan move in the January transfer window.

The loan lasts until summer 2027, there is no purchase option under discussion.#bhafc pic.twitter.com/PozyvfqiZi

— Fußballminister - Foreboding (@StoneBarca) January 5, 2026

Now, just days into the transfer window, Blackburn are being linked with Brighton and Hove Albion's Eiran Cashin, who they are looking to pry away from another Championship club in Birmingham City.

Who is Eiran Cashin?

Initially starting his career at Derby County, Cashin was forced to wait until the age of 19 to make his first senior appearance, an unusually long wait for an academy graduate. However, once in the team, it was clear he was a talent - he looked assured, confident and unflustered, becoming one of their best players during a tricky time for the Rams.

Brought by Brighton in January last year for £9.4 million as a budget backup option, Cashin was awarded his first Premier League experience in April, playing 18 minutes in a substitute appearance against Villa, but it was just one of two appearances he would make until the end of the campaign.

Though the 24-year-old already had vast Championship experience, it was clear that Cashin still needed a loan or two to be fully prepared for the top flight, and consequentially was sent out to newly promoted Birmingham City at the start of 2025/26.

It appeared at the start of the season that the move was destined not to work out - Cashin only played seven of the club's first 20 games of the season, and only completed a full 90 once. However, he has featured in all of their last five games, and is slowly forcing himself into Chris Davies’ plans.

However, given his relative lack of game time at Birmingham, it is clear he is not considered a key player there. He would be better served to move to a struggling club that requires presence at the back, criteria that Blackburn Rovers meet to the letter.

A move would of course be disruptive - the Irishman would have to move closer to his new temporary home, and adapt to a different style of play and surrounding squad. But with the promise of increased minutes, Cashin will certainly be considering a move.

Eiran Cashin 25/26 (so far) 🇮🇪
12 Games Played ▶️
3 Games Started 🏁
71.4% Defensive Duels Won 🗿
Can Play CB & LB 🤩
24 Years Old 👶

Cashin is a solid young defender with good experience for his age, loved at Derby for his work ethic and ability

Thoughts @Rovers fans?#rovers pic.twitter.com/PgHO8bD6Na

— Adam (@BrfcAdxm) January 3, 2026

In fact, it seems as if a move is just round the corner; rumours have been circulating that Cashin and Blackburn have been in talks, and have agreed on an 18-month loan that will last until the summer of 2027.

While there is no buy option, the extended loan period will allow Cashin to fully embed himself at Blackburn, and given an extra season there, he could find himself to be a crucial part of a revival up north.