In a jaw-dropping revelation that has set the Championship fanbase alight, Ipswich Town forward Sammie Szmodics has admitted that he flat-out refused to play for Blackburn Rovers last summer — a move that could now irreparably tarnish his once-heroic legacy at Ewood Park.
Speaking with searing honesty on the Stillryan podcast, Szmodics dropped a bombshell: “I refused to play. I don’t mind saying that now… I wanted to move to Ipswich because it’s the Premier League. Like I said, it’s my dream.”
The 29-year-old had just come off a blistering 2023-24 season, finishing as the Championship’s top scorer with a phenomenal 33 goals in 48 appearances — single-handedly rescuing Blackburn from the brink of relegation. But that success wasn’t enough to keep his Premier League aspirations at bay. With Ipswich Town freshly promoted and buzzing with top-flight ambition, Szmodics saw his chance — and he took drastic action to seize it.
Despite early bids from Ipswich being rejected, Szmodics made it clear to the Rovers hierarchy that he wouldn’t participate in preseason matches. His reason? To keep the focus off himself and avoid distracting teammates — but the action sent shockwaves through the dressing room and fanbase alike.
“It was quite an awkward preseason because I didn’t play,” he explained. “I went to see John Eustace who was absolutely unbelievable with me. I told him I didn’t want to disrespect the staff or players, but I couldn’t be part of the preseason games. He said that’s absolutely fine — he protected me.”
Yet even Szmodics admits he second-guessed his stance as the season kicked off. Still unsigned, he found himself benched in the opening game against Derby — a surreal moment for the man who had just led the league in scoring.
“I’ve put myself on the bench by my actions,” he recalled. But when called upon, he delivered — scoring off the bench and then netting two goals in the following League Cup match against Stockport. That was the final nudge Ipswich needed. The club swooped back in and finalized a £9 million transfer (potentially rising to £11 million with add-ons), landing one of their top targets.
Szmodics’ dream move to the Premier League had materialized — but it didn’t come with fairy-tale success. A frustrating season followed as Ipswich were ultimately relegated, with Szmodics managing just four goals and one assist in 21 appearances before an ankle injury sidelined him for much of the campaign.
Still, he stands by his controversial stance: “It’s back home for me… Ipswich as a club is amazing. The club Blackburn is amazing. But I felt this was my last and only opportunity to play Premier League football.”
He continues to track Blackburn’s results and insists he’s “grateful” for the opportunity they gave him. Yet fans may feel differently after hearing his confession. Refusing to play — no matter the motive — doesn’t sit well in football folklore, especially when that refusal precedes a record-breaking season and subsequent departure.
The question now: What kind of reception will Szmodics get when he returns to Ewood Park with Ipswich next season? Once hailed as a savior, the striker may now find himself facing a much colder welcome.
Meanwhile, Blackburn — still reeling from losing their talisman — must now brace for the return of a player who both carried and controversially left them. As Szmodics eyes redemption with Ipswich in the Championship, one thing’s clear: this saga is far from over.
