Jordan Lawrence Gabriel is confirmed to be a target of the new Championship club Oxford United. Despite their promotion, the club is said to have offered a low bid for Blackpool’s right back.
The Englishman began his career at Nottingham Forest, where would make five appearances. Amid the lack of game time, the youngster would find minutes at Scunthorpe United and Blackpool. He would impress under Neil Critchley, as his side finished third and reached the play-offs. After winning promotion to the Championship, the defender’s deal was made permanent.
Despite a good start for the Tangerines, minutes would come few and far between as he became a rotation option in his next three seasons, where he played a maximum of 21 league games a season. Most importantly, in the 2023/24 season, manager Critchley often opted for CJ Hamilton.
In addition, the Lancashire-based side has made it clear they are looking for new replacements which was evident by the club’s interest in Brentford defender Fin Stevens in the summer of 2023.
Due to the lack of opportunities and the club’s lack of improvement, a move away looks likely. So far throughout the transfer window, Lincoln City and Oxford United have competed for his signature. However, the latter seems more likely to seal the deal.
Journalist Alan Nixon has reported that Oxford have made a low opening bid for Lawrence-Gabriel, but Blackpool are asking for more. The full back is said to be valued at £700,000 on Transfermarkt, which Des Buckingham’s side is likely to have disregarded.
Nixon would also report that the Championship new boys stepped ahead of Lincoln in the race for the attacking right-back. This is expected as the U’s can offer a higher level of football as they embark on a new journey in the second tier.
Despite the widespread interest, the move could also have to wait for next season. In his report, Nixon also states that the defender is in the last year of his contract, meaning if a deal can’t be made this season, it may be postponed.
Writer’s View
This is a great move for the 25-year-old to progress his career. Despite a lengthy tenure in the English Football League, he hasn’t consistently played for any club yet. Oxford United could offer a chance for the full back to become a mainstay at a higher level.
Also, with Fin Stevens from Brentford no longer being an option, Oxford will be desperate for a new defender to allow for more rotation. Stevens played a pivotal part in last season’s success and will be missed ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. However, this could also be a move where he is left with limited minutes again. This is because the side may look for consistent and Championship-proven players.
