Blackburn Rovers have completed the signing of Leeds United striker Marcus Antonsson, as confirmed by the club’s official website.
Antonsson joins Blackburn on a season-long loan deal, after finding himself out of the first-team picture at Leeds United.
The forward becomes Rovers’ ninth signing of the summer, with boss Tony Mowbray looking to put together a squad capable of securing an immediate return to the Championship. He becomes only the third senior striker on Blackburn’s books, following the arrival of Dominic Samuel from Reading.
Antonsson began his career in Sweden, scoring 42 goals in 131 games in spells with Halmstads BK and Kalmar FF. After ten goals in the first 12 games of the 2016/17 season, the striker was snapped up by Leeds United for £2 million in June 2016.
With Chris Wood’s good form and Leeds often playing only one striker, Antonsson struggled for game time and made only six league starts all season.
With the potential for a lot more game time in League One this season, Antonsson could re-discover his form and start to make his mark in English football.
Blackburn Rovers fans will be hoping this is the case and reacted to their club’s newest addition on Twitter. Most fans seemed very happy with the signing of Antonsson:
Very positive feedback from the Leeds fans on Antonsson, hopefully he delivers finally got depth in the striker position now #lufc #rovers
— Ell (@Elliottkinsella) August 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/onemattjansen/status/895973406558048257
A couple of fans admitted they did not know much about the striker, but were still optimistic:
Don't know much about #Antonsson but his goals to games ratio seems good #clinical
— WE ARE THE ROVERS… (@mr_maack) August 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/chrislord/status/895966894330703873
A poll revealed that over 70% of Rovers fans think Antonsson is a good signing:
✍️ @Rovers with another signing this summer – What's your thoughts on Marcus Antonsson joining us? ⚪🔵
— TalkBlackburn (@TalkBlackburn) August 11, 2017
One fan pointed out that Antonsson could link well with Blackburn winger Craig Conway, who is known for his dangerous crosses:
If Craig Conway finds form he has shown previous could make antonsson look a great signing. Hope he bags for fun.
— elwardo 💙💛 (@el_wardo82) August 11, 2017
Several Leeds fans wished Antonsson good luck for his move, predicting that the striker will do well:
Good luck! Got a good player here. Got very very good movement.
— BC (@BC_LUFC) August 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/SouthStand_LUFC/status/895963907369689090
Class player there lads. Will score double figures for you. Good luck @AntonssonMarcus 👍🏼 still a future at Leeds. Head down and work hard.
— Matt James (@Matt1Lufc) August 11, 2017