Swedish stopper signs!

Rovers are delighted to conclude the capture of highly-rated young goalkeeper Leopold Wahlstedt for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old Sweden international joins on a three-year deal from Odds Ballklubb in Norway’s top division, becoming Rovers’ fourth summer signing.

Wahlstedt, who watched on from the Ewood stands as Rovers kicked off the new Championship campaign with a 2-1 win over West Brom at the weekend, started his career in his homeland, making his senior debut for Swedish side Dalkurd FF in August 2018, aged just 19.

A move to Norwegian outfit Arendal followed, before the Swedish shot-stopper earned his big break with top-flight club Odds BK ahead of the 2021 campaign.

Over the past three seasons, he has made 64 appearances for the club, keeping eight clean sheets in 17 games this season – the highest in the division.

On the international stage, Wahlstedt received his first call-up to the Sweden squad in September 2022, before making his senior debut in a 2-0 win against Finland in January 2023.

The towering and talented goalkeeper will wear the number 12 shirt with Rovers and will be available for selection once international clearance and visa requirements have been approved.

Rovers’ Director of Football, Gregg Broughton, said: “We are delighted to welcome Leo to Blackburn Rovers.

“We have monitored his progress over the past 12 months and, in addition to his excellent shot-stopping, Leo's ability to play out from the back is at a very high level.

“Succession planning is a straightforward exercise in theory, but in real life is reliant upon timing factors that are often out of your control.

“We are grateful that, following Thomas Kaminski’s departure, we were able to put our plan into place and sign a goalkeeper with such high potential.”

Vӓlkommen, Leo!