Saying goodbye is never easy but Blackburn Rovers fans will wave Sam Szmodics off with every good wish in the world.

The six-week transfer saga is at an end, much later than we all expected. At the time of writing, Szmodics is in Suffolk finalising his move to the Premier League. He must be registered by 12pm to feature against Liverpool tomorrow and so it's not one I expect to drag into the night.

It's a transfer that nobody can begrudge him. At 28, this is his best chance of a shot in the Premier League. It had to be now and the way he has handled himself has been impeccable.

When Szmodics relayed his hope that if a top-flight opportunity arose he'd like to pursue it, earlier this summer, it was refreshing to see the responses. Not one Rovers fan took umbrage or offence, which in today's social media climate is an achievement in itself.

READ MORE: ROVERS AGREE SZMODICS DEAL WITH IPSWICH

There has been no sulking. No transfer requests. This is how you conduct yourself in the right way and still end up with what you desire. And deserve.

This cut stings a little more because, understandably, Rovers fans might have dared to consider he might stay. Three weeks ago, it seemed a done deal and yet it never got over the line. His return to the fold raised hope, rather than expectation.

This final week has been a fitting way to say thanks and farewell, even if nobody knew it at the time. Three goals in a little less than 90 minutes. The noise when he entered the pitch at Ewood Park last Friday was deafening. When he scored; pandemonium.

Rovers fans didn't get the 'one more year' they badly craved but Szmodics has more than repaid everyone. It seems crude to boil the survival of a Championship team to one individual but it's entirely accurate in this scenario. Without him, Rovers would have been in League One.

It's not just his talent on the pitch that Rovers will be worse without. His infectious, bubbly personality is a breath of fresh air. He is fantastic to interview and football needs characters like him. Every dressing room thrives with one.

I always feared that this might be the week that Ipswich Town finally coughed up. Kieran McKenna's comments last weekend were pointed, with injuries taking hold of their squad, on the eve of the Premier League season. Given they'd met Rovers most of the way in negotiations, it would've been madness for it to fall through. 

The final fee settles in the region of £9million, with achievable add-ons making it likely Rovers will receive eight figures. The Lancashire Telegraph understands Peterborough United have a 10% sell-on clause too. 

Whether that's enough for the Championship's top-scorer, is up for debate. However, he was never going to command a £15, 20m fee that others have because of his age and lack of track record even at second-tier level. 

The biggest frustration is that Ipswich didn't meet the valuation sooner. It gives Rovers exactly two weeks to replace him, with other signings still needed too. 

It provides a welcome cash injection which surely gives John Eustace and the recruitment team more room for manoeuvre. So far, Rovers have made a net profit, albeit small, this summer, even before Szmodics' deal is officially confirmed.

A senior goalkeeper, full-back, midfielder and wide forward were already desired. When Eustace has said 'three or four', the three would've meant forgoing a wide player. That is an absolute must now.

Rovers like Japanese winger Ryo Germain, though there are work permit considerations with that deal. Siriki Dembele was a target for Tony Mowbray under John Park previously and so the resurfaced links to the Birmingham forward are very plausible.

Tyrhys Dolan has made it clear that he'd like to assume Szmodics' central role, behind the striker. That is likely to be his primary role this season, though he is obviously flexible and can operate across the front.

If he's in the #10, you have Joe Rankin-Costello, Ryan Hedges and Arnor Sigurdsson, plus Andi Weimann, for wide spots. Someone with pace and a real pedigree of scoring in the Championship has to be the target for Rovers.

I would rather see them spread the funds across the four positions previously listed than go for one big statement addition. I think that is more likely to be the thought process of those making the final decisions too.

Rovers haven't used the loan market yet either. This cash injection will hopefully make them more competitive, whether that be to pay a fee or contribute to wages, for the premium Premier League loans.

Of course, Venky's court case is coming up in the rear-view mirror too. Whilst it will be heard in India on Tuesday, August 20, it's very unlikely news of the verdict will reach these shores until later in the week.

Blackburn Rovers have a massive two weeks of the window left. The recruitment team can feel positive about their work so far but this is the major test. 

There should be contingency plans, ready to action. Now is the time for the Rovers board to back up Steve Waggott's words with actions.