Rovers have made Coventry City defender Dominic Hyam their fourth signing of the transfer window.
The Sky Blues defender arrives for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal and could make his debut in Wednesday’s trip to Blackpool.
Hyam arrives with plenty of Championship experience, having played 88 times in the last two seasons, but wasn’t part of their squad for the weekend defeat at Hull City on Saturday as negotiations with Rovers continued.
Those have now been wrapped up, with Rovers confirming the signing of the 26-year-old Scot in a big boost to their defensive ranks.
He is Rovers’ first permanent signing in central defence since Daniel Ayala in 2020, and first money spent on a centre back since January 2018.
Rovers’ Director of Football, Gregg Broughton, said: “We are sure that all Rovers supporters will join us in welcoming Dom to the club.
“Our initial approach to Coventry City in July was met with a clear message that he was not for sale, however when it became apparent this week that their stance had changed, we had no hesitation in making Dom our third permanent signing of this window.
“For the past two seasons Dom has consistently been amongst the best central defenders in the Championship, demonstrating his ability to pass through the lines in possession, defend in one-v-one situations and be a leader on and off the pitch.
“We look forward to seeing him become an integral part of our team.”
Hyam arrived at the Sky Blues in 2017 and has since played 192 times for the club, helping them rise from League Two to the Championship.
He came through the ranks at Reading before joining Coventry on a free transfer where he has since become a mainstay of the side, with boss Mark Robins disappointed to lose him.
He told the BBC: “Dominic didn’t come with us because of the Blackburn thing.
“I can’t complain about players going because that’s the model. We speak to players when they come in about growing with us and hopefully we’ll go to places together and Dominic has come from League Two.
“The players and staff that have worked with him have helped get him into the position he is in now but he’s done brilliantly and that’s why he’s attracted the interest of Blackburn.
“If he goes, when he goes, with our blessing. Very disappointed to lose him, 100 per cent very difficult to lose him and we have to try and find someone to replace him on a free, or as close to a free, as I can get.
“That’s the deal and we have to deal with that.”
Rovers are expected to secure the season-long loan signing of Sepp van den Berg before Thursday's deadline.
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