Augustus Kargbo is thrilled to have completed a “dream” move to Ewood Park and can’t wait to experience English football.
The versatile forward has put pen to paper over a contract through to June 2027 and arrives from Italian club Cesena for an undisclosed fee.
Kargbo becomes the third addition to John Eustace’s squad in the January window after Adam Forshaw and Dion Sanderson.
“I am very happy and very excited to be here because it has been a dream to play in England,” he told RoversTV.
“This opportunity to play for this historic club mean a lot to me and my family, and I am looking forward to getting started.
“It is the highest level and we watch a lot of English football back home in Sierra Leone. When we were young, we watched Blackburn Rovers playing and it feels surreal right now that I am here.
“Growing up, I remember watching Christopher Samba play for Rovers. I know the great Alan Shearer played here and so many big names with big history.
“I wanted the move and I’m glad I am finally here. It is a dream to be here and I want to make sure I enjoy every day here.”
Kargbo becomes the first player from Sierra Leone to sign for Rovers and has won 19 caps for his country so far.
The 25-year-old began his professional career at Campobasso before heading to Crotone. He had loan spells at Roccella and Reggiana, firing the latter to promotion from Serie C.
Kargbo got a taste of Seria A football for Crotone before heading to Cesena in 2023, helping the club clinch the Serie C title that season.
“My time in Italy was really good for me and I improved a lot as a player and a person during my time there,” he reflected.
“However, as soon as the offer to come to Rovers came, I said to my agent ‘OK, now it is time, I need a different challenge at a higher level’, which is why I am here.
“The Championship has a huge impact and has produced so many players. Everything motivates me here and I want to test myself and try to become better.
“I think this is a really high level with the physicality and the intensity, and I think I can play. This is an exciting challenge, a big challenge and I want to help the team.”
