It's been a whirlwind of a summer for Rovers bright prospect Ash Phillips. Premier League transfer links, A senior debut and a new pro contract with The Blues. The main question is how far can the 17-year-old go with Blackburn Rovers?
Phillips made his first team debut in the EFL Cup against Hartlepool after impressive in pre-season, winning the game 4-0 and playing the full 90 minutes. He went on to make his league start against West Brom playing the majority of the match and winning the game 2-1.
The 6ft 4’ Centre Back didn’t look out of place in any of his first starts, despite not being 18 yet, he has the build of an experienced defender and all the abilities of a solid Centre Back being quick and dominant in the air.
Phillips rightfully had been attracting interest all summer with Man United, Chelsea and Spurs all declaring interest in the 17-year-old. Reliable sources were reporting that Spurs had agreed a deal with Phillips, bringing him over to the Premier League side however these reports were false. A big offer was made by Spurs however it was rejected.
Phillips interest from Spurs did make the hopes of him signing a new contract more distant. Another academy player seemed to have been lost by Rovers on a free transfer.
However, just after his England U19 call up, Phillips penned his first pro deal with Rovers, keeping him at the club until 2025. This was a massive deal to get over the line for Rovers with the centre back being tipped to go to the top for both club and country.
The fact he is so young means Rovers have time to develop the boy and mould him into a solid championship centre back, with a big money return also hoped for later down the line.
With him currently on the fringe of the first team and enjoying his time in the England Under 19s, it is no doubt Phillips will be bringing an impact to Ewood Park in the not-so-distant future.
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