Exclusive: Blackburn submit bid to sign Triston Rowe as Aston Villa break clause emerges
Blackburn Rovers have made an offer for Aston Villa defender Triston Rowe, sources have told Football Insider.
Rowe, 19, is currently on loan at French Ligue 2 club FC Annecy on a season-long loan, but there is a break clause in that loan deal this month alerting several English clubs.
Blackburn are keen to sign Rowe in a permanent deal, but Villa and the player would prefer any move to be a loan deal.
A couple of other Championship clubs are ready to rival Blackburn for Rowe by moving for the England Under-20 international when the break clause in his current loan deal becomes active.
Football Insider revealed last week that Villa have also agreed to loan out Rory Wilson, as they attempt to secure consistent minutes for their brightest talents.
Triston Rowe excelling in Ligue 2
Rowe appeared on the bench as Villa lost 3-0 to Crystal Palace towards the beginning of the season, but he was swiftly loaned out when a suitable offer arrived.
Annecy are mid-table in the French second flight, and have provided a perfect place for the defender to earn more consistent minutes.
| Triston Rowe | Ligue 2 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 14 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Successful dribbles | 14 |
| Tackles | 18 |
| Duels won | 49 |
Like several before and indeed after him, Rowe joined Villa from West Brom in 2021, and has looked closer and closer to the first team with each passing season.
In France, the England youth international has appeared in every single league match since his arrival, sometimes playing in different positions.
Rowe has featured in his usual position – right-back – but he has also played in the middle of the back line, on the right of midfield, and even in the attack.
His only goal came against Clermont Foot in October, and it was the winner.
What Rowe said after joining FC Annecy
Rowe has settled in well in France, and there may be some doubts with the defender himself about cutting his spell there short.
Undoubtedly, however, the Championship will be a significant step-up for the 19-year-old.
Speaking to the Annecy website after joining on loan from Villa, Rowe said: “I’m coming on loan from Aston Villa. I’m going to bring a lot of energy and technology to the team, and I’ll give everything I can.
“I chose the annecian project because the level of this league is interesting, and I think I can have an impact and help the team grow and succeed. I can’t wait to play in front of you, to meet you, and I hope we’ll have a great season. “
Blackburn will now hope to add the defender to their team for the second half of the season, as they seek safety.