A source has revealed to the Real EFL that Blackpool are among the clubs eyeing a swoop for Cheltenham Town defender Will Ferry.
23-year-old Ferry has been offered new terms at Whaddon Road but is believed to be looking for a move that keeps him in League One or higher. The former Southampton trainee has been a standout performer for the Robins over the past two seasons, and it’s believed he will be moving on in the summer.
Blackpool narrowly missed out on a play-off spot, taking their push for promotion to the final day of the season. However, 11 players have been released this summer as Neil Critchley attempts to reshape his squad and go one better next season.
It now appears Ferry is on that list. However, as with many transfers, there are several moving parts. Hayden Coulson, who has been on loan at Blackpool, has returned to his parent club, leaving Andy Lyons as left wing-back option. However, Coulson made the spot his own after joining in January, and there is the potential for a permanent swoop for the Middlesbrough player.
Should that not work out, Ferry would be an attractive option as a free agent, but as he is under the age of 24, there would still be a fee to pay. Blackpool may have to act quickly; several clubs in League One and the lower half of the Championship are thought to be keen on his services.
Ferry began his career at Southampton, but failed to make the grade at St Mary’s. He had a loan spell with Crawley Town in 2021/22, then joined Cheltenham on a free transfer for their maiden season in League One a year later. He remained in Gloucestershire last season, taking his total League One appearances to 75, with 60 starts.
The Ireland Under 21 international has been a key figure for Darrell Clarke’s side, even bagging a winner in the 3-2 victory against Port Vale back in February.
Writer’s View
Ferry is likely to be hot property this summer if he turns down his Cheltenham deal. He’s an advanced full-back, capable of playing in a four, but thriving a little further forward. That suits Blackpool’s formation, and whilst a deal is something that isn’t off the ground just yet, he is on the club’s radar.
Of course, there are a number of other clubs hoping to take the Bury-born defender, but location could be a factor. After seven years away from the north west, a move closer to ‘home’ may be attractive. There’s a lot to happen yet, and as with any transfer, things can change, but it’s no surprise Ferry is falling onto the radar of bigger clubs in League One.
Indeed, Cheltenham’s attempts to keep him appear futile, and it’s possible their contract offer was more to protect their investment and get a fee than something with a genuine belief that the player would stay.
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