Blackpool have been linked with a loan move for Aston Villa youngster Josh Feeney according to journalist Alan Nixon via his Patreon.
Feeney is yet to make an appearance for Villa’s senior side, but is held in an extremely high regard. It’s looking increasingly likely that the 18-year-old’s first experience of senior football will come away from Villa Park, with a loan move imminent.
Blackpool currently lead the race to gain the defender’s services for the forthcoming season, and he would be a welcomed addition to Neil Critchley’s squad. The Tangerines’ manager had previously been a coach with Aston Villa, so will have plenty of ties with the Premier League club.
That relationship between Critchley and Villa has seen the League One club become the front runners to sign the 18-year-old. Blackpool will be playing in the third tier this year following their relegation from the Championship last year and a mixture of both experience and youth will be used in their push to return to the second tier at the first time of asking.
The transfer window has been somewhat of a mixed bag for the Tangerines, with some decent new additions also met with some significant departures. The loss of talisman Jerry Yates is incredibly significant, however it is believed that the club did manage to get a £2.5 million fee for the striker. Blackpool have currently made six new signings for their first season in League One since promotion under Critchley in 2021. Critchley, who has now returned for his second spell in charge of the club is still looking to bring a couple more names through the door before he finalises his squad for the season.
The club have not only been linked with a move for Feeney in recent days, with reports stating that the Seasiders are plotting an an ambitious move for Crystal Palace forward Scott Banks as well.
Who is Josh Feeney?
At just 18 years of age, the sky really is the limit for the young defender. Although he is yet to make an appearance in senior football, Feeney has been impressive for Villa’s under-21 side and has appeared 34 times in the Premier League 2, as well as four times in their EFL trophy squad. The centre-half has been capped by both the England under-17s and under-18s, and will be knocking on the door of the under-21s with a successful loan spell. The youngster is very effective in the air, and will have a say in aerial battles at both ends of the pitch. Although the lack of senior appearances may come as somewhat of a worry, Feeney has plenty of potential to progress into a real talent this season.
Writer’s view
Blackpool already look to have one of the stronger sides in the league, and the addition of Feeney supports that statement even further. The club are also yet to really dip into the funds that they received for Jerry Yates, and I’d expect a couple of high-profile signings to come in before the window closes. Feeney needs time to get to grips with senior football and Critchley will be expected to blend him into the team, if it goes through, it could be a good move all round.
