Blackburn Rovers youngster Tom Atcheson is garnering plenty of interest for a potential transfer. Tottenham and Manchester United are among multiple Premier League clubs monitoring the young defender.
Tottenham and Manchester United have recently signed some incredible young defenders, like Luka Vuskovic and Leny Yoro, respectively.
They are looking to add more such centre-backs to their roster, including Atcheson. The 19-year-old came through Blackburn Rovers’ academy and made his senior debut in the 2023-24 season.
Atcheson has made 11 senior appearances for Blackburn, with nine of them coming this season. He also signed a new deal last week, which will expire in 2030.
Michael O’Neill compared Tottenham target Tom Atcheson to Nathan Collins
Atcheson made his Northern Ireland debut on March 31, playing 10 minutes in a friendly against Wales, which ended in a 1-1 draw. After the game, Northern Ireland and Blackburn head coach Michael O’Neill heaped praise on the 19-year-old. He hailed his abilities, temperament, and ambition.
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O’Neill also compared Atcheson to his compatriot, Nathan Collins, who has become a key player for Brentford in the Premier League. He said (h/t News Letter):
“For Tom, I’ve seen young centre-backs develop and play in the Premier League…I see him having the same traits as the likes of Nathan Collins when I brought him into the team at Stoke, Harry Souttar.
“Different profiles and different types of players, but Tom has those same types of qualities which can bring him to that level.”
Collins came through Stoke City’s academy before playing for Burnley and Wolves. He joined Brentford in 2023 and has made 111 appearances for them. He’s also earned 38 caps for Northern Ireland, whom he captains as well.
O’Neill, meanwhile, added that he doesn’t want to put too much pressure on Atcheson with these comparisons. However, he hailed him as one of the few positive things at relegation-battling Blackburn.
Atcheson signed a new deal with Blackburn
On April 1, Atcheson signed a new long-term contract with Blackburn Rovers, which will expire in 2030. While this won’t likely deter his suitors, the Championship side will likely demand a relatively hefty fee for him.
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Blackburn are currently 19th in the EFL Championship standings, six points above the relegation zone. With interest from multiple top clubs, Atcheson could leave in the summer, especially if they get relegated.
As per TeamTalk, aside from Manchester United and Tottenham, Newcastle United, Brighton, Sunderland, and Everton are also monitoring the defender. The outlet also stated that many also label the Irish defender the ‘new Phil Jones’.
