Hong Kong FC forward Cai McGunnigle featuring for Scotland U17s

Blackburn have made a bid for Cai McGunnigleImago

Sources: Blackburn Rovers submit Cai McGunnigle offer

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Published on:

05 Sep 2026, 2:39 pm

Blackburn Rovers have table a bid for Hong Kong FC forward Cai McGunnigle, sources have told Football Insider.

The 17-year-old has caught the eye in the Hong Kong Premier League, where he scored three goals in 12 appearances last season.

Should a deal be agreed, the Scotland Under-17 international would not be able to make the move until next summer after he has turned 18, as per FIFA rules.

McGunnigle was born in Hong Kong to Scottish parents and became the Hong Kong Premier League's youngest ever scorer when he netted against Kowloon City in May 2025.

The teenager reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Rangers as he was first breaking through, but could now commit his future to Blackburn.

Rovers are keen to strengthen their Premier League 2 side after a difficult last season, with talented striker Igor Tyjon having joined Arsenal.

📰 We can confirm that an agreement has been reached with Arsenal for the permanent transfer of young striker Igor Tyjon.

🔗 https://t.co/g10fk1qCgW #Rovers 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/LD6p0Xhe5T
— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) August 28, 2026

Why is Cai McGunnigle attracting interest?

McGunnigle has spent his entire youth career in Hong Kong, spending time with Southern, Kowloona and Hong Kong FC.

After impressing at the youth level, scoring nine goals in just 10 games in the U22 league, he is now considered a regular for the senior side.

Hong Kong FC are semi-pro, with the Hong Kong Premier League considered to be a similar level to the bottom half of the second tier of Scottish football.

McGunnigle's performances have not gone unnoticed with the Scottish FA, although he is yet to commit to an international future.

The forward has been capped four times by the U17s, and is eyed as a potential future star.

Agile and composed in front of goal, McGunnigle has featured across the front line and also deeper in midfield.

Leeds set sights on Cai McGunnigle as invitation sent to forward

McGunnigle attracting interest elsewhere

McGunnigle was invited to train with Rangers in the summer of 2024, and undoubtedly remains on the radar of both Old Firm clubs.

Yet there is developing interest from the Premier League and beyond, too. Football Insider revealed in June that Leeds United invited the youngster for a trial.

Blackburn appear to have gone where no other team have yet, however, by sending an official bid for the teenager.

Should a move for McGunnigle be completed, it would undoubtedly be seen as a huge coup for the Championship side.

Blackburn Rovers Football Club