Blackpool are reportedly targeting former loan star Elliot Embleton from Sunderland on a permanent deal after he helped the club reach the play-offs in 2021, according to reports.
The Seasiders finished eighth last season in League One with 73 points which saw them narrowly miss out on the play-offs to Barnsley on the final day. Ahead of their opening day clash with newly-promoted Crawley Town, the club will look to add to their already well-equipped squad.
So far in the transfer window, the Tangerines have been active in purchasing players from the second and third tiers of English Football. Ashley Fletcher and Jordan Rhodes have arrived from Watford and Huddersfield Town respectively. The two strikers will look to add depth and competition for places with the likes of Kyle Joseph and Jake Beesley.
Furthermore, Blackpool have added Lee Evans from Portsmouth and fullbacks Hayden Coulson and Zac Ashworth to add to the quality of the overall squad. These signings were all free and clearly have talents given their experience in the English Football League.
On the other hand, Neil Critchley’s side have also seen many departures. Midfield options Luke Mariette, Matty Virtue and Callum Connolly have all left the squad, leaving the manager’s depth quite bleak, which can be damaging due to the high demand of games in League One.
As a result of needing a new midfielder, Embleton is the latest player touted with a move to Bloomfield Road. Journalist Alan Nixon has reported that Blackpool want to sign the 25-year-old from Sunderland in a major push.
He helped the Seasiders win promotion in a previous loan spell in 2021 as he featured 21 times, bagging two goals and recording four assists. His great spell prior has led to the continued interest after their many departures this season.
Embleton is said to be fit again after a lengthy injury on loan at Derby County and is keen to make a fresh start away from the Stadium of Light. Nixon has also reported that the Rams have taken an interest but Blackpool want to complete the deal as soon as possible.
The versatile midfielder excelled through the ranks at the Sunderland academy before impressing for both Grimsby Town and Blackpool during successful loan spells. He would then spend the next few seasons with the Black Cats before being sent out on loan to Derby County as he fell out of favour on Wearside. Under Paul Warne, he would appear just twice as injuries ruined his season.
What a goal! 🍊
Bloomfield Road erupts as Elliot Embleton curls one into the far corner!
Watch live on Sky Sports Football now! pic.twitter.com/bcIFsWzGlM
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 21, 2021
Writer’s View
With over 4,000 minutes played in League One, Embleton has proven to be a great player in England’s third tier. His time with the Seasiders and his 2021/22 campaign at Sunderland, where he played 38 times whilst contributing to another promotion from the division, are primary examples of this. Therefore, this would be a great signing for Blackpool.
He can play an array of positions as suggested by him appearing over 15 times in the centre of midfield in more attacking roles and also on either wing. This versatility can be crucial in replacing the outgoing players this season.
However, whether Embleton’s influence will be enough to help Neil Critchley’s side make the step up to the play-offs is undetermined. The league will be much more competitive with new teams joining like Wrexham, Birmingham City and Rotherham United. Therefore, they may need more reinforcements to battle for the top positions.
Be the first to comment