Blackburn Rovers are considering a loan move for former Lincoln City goalkeeper Alex Palmer. The Championship side's interest, reported by Staceywest.net this week, depends entirely on their current keeper Balazs Toth completing a transfer to Celtic.
Alex Palmer, now 29, is currently with Ipswich Town after joining them from West Bromwich Albion in February 2025. He made ten Championship appearances for Ipswich last season as they secured promotion. Blackburn are understood to be looking at a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer, with reports earlier this summer valuing Palmer at around £3.5 million. The Rovers Paper said: "Blackburn are ready to approach Ipswich Town about taking Palmer on loan if an agreement is reached for Toth to join Celtic."
Why is Alex Palmer linked with a move?
Palmer's potential availability stems from a chain reaction in the goalkeeping market. Blackburn's Hungarian international Balazs Toth has rejected a new contract at Ewood Park. Celtic have revived their interest in him. Blackburn will only allow Toth to leave if a suitable deal is agreed, and they are not rushing into a sale. If Toth departs, manager John Eustace would need immediate cover. Palmer, with extensive Championship experience, represents a ready-made solution. He was previously linked with Wrexham earlier in the summer.
What was Alex Palmer's time at Lincoln City like?
Alex Palmer played a huge role for Lincoln City during the 2020/21 season. He arrived at Sincil Bank on loan from West Bromwich Albion alongside striker Callum Morton. Palmer immediately established himself as Michael Appleton's first-choice goalkeeper. He played in all 46 League One fixtures that campaign, a remarkable feat of consistency. Lincoln finished fifth in the table and entered the play-offs. Palmer featured as the Imps defeated Sunderland over two legs before losing to Blackpool in the final at Wembley. In total, he made 58 appearances across all competitions for the club, providing a solid foundation for their push towards the Championship.
What has Alex Palmer done since leaving Lincoln?
After his successful loan spell, Palmer returned to West Bromwich Albion and became their regular Championship goalkeeper. His performances peaked in the 2023/24 season when he shared the Championship Golden Glove award with Illan Meslier of Leeds United. Palmer made his Premier League debut against Aston Villa in February 2025 before his move to Ipswich Town later that same month. His career trajectory shows a player who has developed into a reliable second-tier keeper, making him an attractive short-term option for clubs like Blackburn.
What needs to happen for the transfer to go through?
Several steps must align before Palmer could join Blackburn. First, Celtic must reach an agreement with Blackburn for Balazs Toth. Second, Blackburn would then need to secure suitable loan terms with Ipswich Town. Third, they would need to agree personal terms with Palmer himself. All this would need to be completed before the transfer deadline. Report text noted: "Palmer could sign today, but wouldn’t be available for a sensational Sincil Bank return at such short notice." Toth is due to travel with the Blackburn squad ahead of their Tuesday night visit to the ProAmpac Stadium, but events before the deadline could determine whether he or Aynsley Pears starts in goal.
Lincoln City, meanwhile, are preparing for their own campaign. They currently sit 17th in the Championship with four points from four games, having recorded one win, one draw, and two losses. Their recent form reads DWLL. The Imps have scored three goals and conceded five, giving them a -2 goal difference. They are six points behind early leaders Swansea City. Michael Appleton's side next face a trip to Deepdale to play Preston North End, who are 24th in the table, on September 12. You can track all the upcoming action on our fixtures page and check the latest standings.
