Blackpool have entered preliminary talks with midfielder Sonny Carey over a new contract, according to Tangerines boss Steve Bruce.
24-year-old Carey is out of contract at Bloomfield Road at the end of the season, and all parties appear keen to extend his stay on the Lancashire coast. With Carey on track to become a free agent in June, talks appear to have started to avoid Blackpool losing him on a free this summer.
Speaking to the Blackpool Gazette, manager Steve Bruce issued the following update on Carey’s future, “There’s preliminary talks, but I think his agent might be away. We’ll keep bashing away with that one – there’s plenty of time. There have been initial negotiations, so we’ll see where that takes us.”
Carey has impressed for Blackpool so far this season, with Bruce previously expressing a willingness to tie him down to a deal beyond this season. Should he leave, thought, there will undoubtedly be interest as a result of his good performances this term. Carey has netted four times already this season, having found himself a regular in the team after some time as a rotation option. Since joining the club in 2021 he has played 122 times though has only scored fourteen, with goalscoring a problem until this season. Should he choose to leave the club, he would likely be a good option for a League One club and a starter in League Two.
Prior to his move to the North West, Carey came through the academy at Norwich City before dropping into non-league. It was at fellow Norfolk side King’s Lynn Town where he really caught the eye, scoring 11 in 74 to earn his move to the Football League with Blackpool, where he has remained since.
It’s been an inconsistent season for Blackpool, who sit 12th after a horrific start to the season. Though they have picked up, the play-offs look unlikely so they probably have one eye on next year, and will hope to tie down Carey.
Writer’s View
This would be a shrewd move as Blackpool likely prepare for another season in the third tier. Carey has really come on this season, and has potential to star even more next year, or prove to be a capable deputy. Getting him in on a longer deal would be a statement of intent as they try to gain promotion, with Carey showing he could be at that level. Him leaving on a free would be a blow both financially and on the field, so a new deal makes sense.
