Blackpool Set For Transfer Boost As Player Nears Exit

Swansea City striker Kyle Joseph is set to join League One side Blackpool in a part-exchange deal which will see Jerry Yates head to Wales, according to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke.

The 21-year-old is set to join the Seasiders as part of a package deal for striker Yates. The midfielder is reportedly due to sign for Michael Duff’s side for a fee in the region of £2.5m and return to Championship football following Blackpool’s relegation back to League One. Joseph excelled on loan at Oxford United last season so it could be seen as a win/win situation for both clubs.

Who is Kyle Joseph?

Born in Chipping Barnet, Joseph started his career at Wigan Athletic, joining their academy at the age of 13 and signing his first professional contract with the club in February 2019.

He made his debut as a substitute in 3-2 defeat against Northampton Town before making his full debut in a 3-0 win against Blackpool. He scored five times in 20 appearances during the 2020-21 campaign, including his first senior hat-trick in a 4-3 win over Burton Albion.

That summer, Joseph joined Swansea City for a reported compensation fee of £500,000 and made his debut in an EFL Cup win against Reading. On Deadline Day, he joined Cheltenham Town on a season-long loan deal, managed by current Swansea boss Duff, where he went on to score 4 times in 19 appearances, including a goal on his debut in a 1-1 draw against MK Dons.

He was recalled by Swansea from the Robins in January, and went on to make 10 appearances in the Championship for the Welsh side.

Last season, he was sent out on loan to Oxford United in League One and excelled – playing 41 times and scoring 10 goals – his highest scoring season in his career – one of those goals coming against his former loan club Cheltenham in a 4-1 victory at the Kassam Stadium – a victory which helped Oxford stay in the division.

Writer’s View

I am very surprised that Michael Duff, having worked with Joseph during their time together at Cheltenham, is allowing the striker to be used as part of the deal for Blackpool’s Jerry Yates.

Even though he barely played for Swansea since his arrival, after the season he has had at Oxford, I would have thought that Duff would have wanted him as part of his plans.

Nevertheless, Blackpool are getting a player that had his best season last year to replace a player who could become a valuable asset to Duff in the Championship.