Blackburn Rovers have signed Sierra Leone forward Augustus Kargbo from Italian club Cesena for an undisclosed fee. The 25-year-old signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, keeping him at Ewood Park until June 2027. The official signing took place on January 31st and was unveiled on February 1st, 2025.

Kargbo, a key player in Sierra Leone’s national team with 21 caps, brings valuable European experience to the Championship side.

The pacey and skillful forward helped Cesena secure Serie B promotion last season, solidifying his reputation as a dangerous attacking threat.

A Rising Star in Italian Football

Kargbo’s football journey in Italy has been marked by steady progression. In Italy, he played for Campobasso and Crotone, with loan spells at Roccella and Reggiana.

His performances caught the attention of Cesena, where he played a crucial role in their promotion campaign.

This season, Kargbo featured 18 times in Serie B, scoring three goals, all of which came in the first nine games. Despite Cesena’s challenges in the league, Kargbo’s early-season form demonstrated his ability to find the net at a high level.

Speaking on his move on Rovers TV, Kargbo highlighted how excited he is to join the team and

“Joining Blackburn Rovers is a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to test myself in English football, and this club’s history and ambition make it the perfect fit for me. I’m eager to get started, meet my new teammates, and give my all for the fans.”

Augustus Kargbo in Blackburn’s Kit

A New Challenge in the Championship

Kargbo’s pace, agility, and versality will boost Blackburn’s attack as they push for a strong finish in the EFL Championship. Fans eagerly await Kargbo’s debut, expected in the coming weeks, to see their new signing in action.

His arrival marks Blackburn Rovers’ third signing , reinforcing their squad for the second half of the season. The club hopes Kargbo’s European experience and international pedigree will boost their squad as they pursue their league ambitions.

About Augustus Kargbo

Augustus Kargbo was born on August 24th, 1999, in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Kargbo started his professional career in Italy with Serie D club Campobasso before securing a move to Serie B side Crotone in 2018. He was initially loaned to Rocella in Serie D, where he gained valuable playing time before returning to Crotone in January 2019.

He made his Serie B debut on 19 January 2019 against Cittadella, coming on as a substitute. Later that year, he joined Reggiana on loan, where he played a pivotal role in their promotion to Serie B, scoring a crucial goal in the final against Bari on 22 July 2020.

Kargbo’s talent earned him a chance in Serie A with Crotone, where he debuted on 20 September 2020 in a match against Genoa. However, he soon returned to Reggiana on another loan spell.

In August 2023, he signed a three-year contract with Cesena. His strong performances caught the attention of English club Blackburn Rovers, and on 31 January 2025, he joined the Championship side on a two-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Kargbo received his first call-up to the Sierra Leone national team on 29 September 2020. He made his debut on 6 October 2021 in a friendly against South Sudan. His performances earned him a spot in Sierra Leone’s squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, marking the country’s return to the prestigious tournament after 25 years.

With his talent and experience, Augustus Kargbo continues to be a key figure in both club and international football, representing Sierra Leone on the global stage.