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With Blackburn not keen on permanent deal what next for Marcus Antonsson?

Mathew Nash

Thu 24 May 2018 9:45, UK

When Leeds United signed Marcus Antonsson in the summer of 2016 there was excitement over his arrival. The Swedish striker had been scoring goals for fun back in his homeland. Upon his arrival, he was the Allsvenskan top-scorer with former club Kalmar.

Leeds were obviously hoping he could repeat such form in West Yorkshire. They paid a fee to be in the region of £2 million for his services.

But he struggled at Leeds. Just one goal in 16 Championship appearances and niggling injury trouble saw him fall down the pecking order at Elland Road.

Then, last summer, he found himself loaned out to Blackburn Rovers of League One.

It has been a season of two halves for the Swede. He enjoyed a good start to the campaign. He even found a new niche as a left-sided striker in a front three. In November he was named the League One Player of the Month and Blackburn would have been pleased with his progress.

However, he picked up a knee injury in December and then found himself under pressure from Newcastle United loanee Adam Armstrong. In the end, he finished the season with eight goals from 34 appearances, with his last strike coming in a 4-2 win against Blackpool back in November.

, the Swede’s loan deal at Ewood Park contained a seven-figure buy-out should the club decide they want him permanently. But the report seems to suggest Blackburn will be moving on to different targets.

So what next for the Leeds striker?

It appears a permanent switch to Blackburn is not on the cards. Does he have a long-term future at Leeds? It does not appear so, but perhaps Paul Heckingbottom will see things differently.

The new boss has yet to work with the Swedish striker and it could be he likes what he sees from the 27-year-old in the summer.

If not, then Leeds will struggle to find a permanent buyer for his services, given his minimal impact in the English game.

For Antonsson it appears he must either impress Heckingbottom or find himself a new loan destination for next season.