He ranked second in the team in goals scored at seven, only behind Liédson. During the 2008 summer transfer window, Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers were at the top of the list of clubs reportedly interested in signing Vukčević; nonetheless, Sporting reiterated their desire to keep the player. Shortly after, he got involved in a controversial dispute with manager Paulo Bento over losing his place in the starting XI; after playing 45 minutes as a substitute in the 2–0 home defeat of C.F. Os Belenenses, he declared his intention to leave the Estádio José Alvalade. On 21 November 2008, without any warning, Vukčević missed training to join his national team one day before expected, being fined €5,000 and placed on individual training until further notice. On 29 November, after holding a press conference stating his wish to remain in Sporting and apologising for his behaviour, he was allowed to train with the rest of the team. On 5 December, after coming on for Hélder Postiga in the 75th minute of the league game at C.F. Estrela da Amadora, he scored shortly after in a 3–1 victory. Sporting bought the remaining 50% rights on a future transfer from Saturn in January 2010, for another £2 million. Blackburn Rovers Vukčević agreed to a three-year contract with Blackburn Rovers on 26 August 2011, after a successful medical. His maiden Premier League appearance took place on 17 September when he played 25 minutes in a 4–3 home win against Arsenal at Ewood Park, and he scored his first goal three days later in a 3–2 victory over Leyton Orient in the third round of the League Cup, also at home. His first league goal came on 11 December, in a 2–1 loss away to Sunderland; he made little impact during his first season, and his team was relegated. With the Rovers back in the Championship, Vukčević made his first start of the campaign on 28 August 2012, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–2 defeat against Milton Keynes Dons in the second round of the League Cup. It seemed likely that he would be allowed to leave on loan with a view to a permanent deal, but in the first match under new coach Henning Berg, on 3 November against Crystal Palace, he took the field after replacing Marcus Olsson. Over the next few months, Vukčević made more first-team appearances and was even