Blackpool Agree Deal For Former Midfielder

Blackpool have agreed to sign former loan midfielder Elliot Embleton permanently from Sunderland, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

Embleton spent the second half of the 2020-21 campaign at Bloomfield Road, playing a key part as the Tangerines secured promotion via the play-offs to the Championship, chipping in with two goals and four assists in 21 appearances.

The 25-year-old has spent his entire career thus far on the books at Sunderland and has been in and out of the team since making his debut in the Premier League in 2017. As well as his previous stint in Lancashire, Embleton has had spells on loan at Grimsby Town and Derby County, with the latter bringing only two appearances. The Englishman has struggled with injuries in his career, resulting in only 92 appearances for his parent club. These have seen him slip down the pecking order, with Sunderland now clearly open to the option of selling and gaining a profit on the academy graduate.

Embleton, who can play in central midfield as well as in a more attacking role behind the striker, has strong pedigree despite his injuries, having represented England at age group level. He has played for his country from under-17 to under-20 level, and played in the 2018 European Under-19 Championship, scoring in the opening game.

Blackpool are looking for reinforcements following a 2023-24 campaign where they finished 8th and will be hoping for improvement this year as they chase promotion from a strong League One. They’ve been busy in the transfer window already making six signings, and they don’t appear to be done. The Tangerines have also been linked with former Lincoln City midfielder Danny Mandroiu, and improving their midfield seems to be their main aim now. Signing Embleton as well would be a clear sign of Blackpool’s intent.

Writer’s View

This would be a good move for Embleton, whose career has stalled slightly at Sunderland due to injuries and players ahead of him. A drop down a division may be wise; at 25 Embleton needs first-team football, and Blackpool look likely to provide that. He’d be popular too, with his previous successes at the club. From Blackpool’s perspective, they would be getting a player with plenty of Championship experience as they look to make the step up, and their squad depth would improve no end for Embleton’s presence.