AZ Alkmaar and Twente Monitor Blackburn Rovers Prospect

AZ Alkmaar and FC Twente are leading the race to sign Blackburn Rovers youngster Joe Boggan, with the Dutch clubs closely monitoring the teenager’s rapid rise through the youth ranks.

The 17-year-old has been in exceptional form for Rovers’ academy this season, earning a promotion from the U18s to the U21s mid-campaign. Boggan’s progress has not gone unnoticed in Europe, with Eredivisie outfits Alkmaar and Twente making their interest known.

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, the Dutch sides are now among the frontrunners for Boggan’s signature, with additional interest also coming from Bundesliga clubs including VfB Stuttgart, SC Freiburg, and Hamburg SV.

Breakthrough season draws scouts

Having signed his first professional contract last summer, Boggan began the season with Blackburn’s U18s, scoring seven goals and registering two assists in just eight games. His performances earned a deserved promotion to the U21s, where he has continued to impress.

Blackburn Rovers’ teenage sensation Joe Boggan is a target for a number German and Dutch clubs, including Stuttgart, Hamburg, Freiburg, AZ Alkmaar and FC Twente. The 17-year-old has been in a rich vein of form for Blackburn in recent weeks. #Rovers #VfBStuttgart #AZ pic.twitter.com/s0pknbcwxw

— Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) April 4, 2025

In seven Premier League 2 outings, Boggan has added four goals and an assist, including a standout brace against Wolves U21s in March. His consistency and impact have made him a focal point of Blackburn’s youth setup.

“Dutch sides AZ Alkmaar and FC Twente are keeping close tabs on Joe Boggan, with Bundesliga interest also emerging, according to Pete O’Rourke.”

The versatile attacker, capable of playing both as a central striker and on the wing, is considered one of the brightest emerging talents outside the Premier League. With both Dutch clubs known for developing young talent, a move to the Eredivisie could present an appealing next step in his career.

Blackburn Rovers’ academy continues to be a strong pipeline for first-team and elite-level players, but the club now faces the challenge of keeping hold of one of its most promising recent graduates.

Writer’s view

AZ Alkmaar and FC Twente have built strong reputations for nurturing talent, and their interest in Joe Boggan makes perfect sense. Both clubs offer a proven pathway for young players to flourish, and for someone like Boggan—technically gifted, versatile, and already producing—such environments could be ideal. Blackburn will hope to retain him, but if the Dutch giants come calling, it may be difficult to stand in his way.