Charlton Athletic are eyeing an ambitious summer move for Blackpool’s highly rated midfielder Rob Apter, but Steve Bruce is determined to keep hold of his breakout star.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2024–25 season, and interest from the Championship newcomers is ramping up ahead of the new campaign.
Charlton Hope to Lure Rising Star to The Valley
Sources suggest Charlton boss Nathan Jones has made Apter a key transfer target as he looks to inject energy and creativity into his side’s return to the second tier. The Scotland Under-21 international contributed eight goals and nine assists in 55 appearances last term, making himself indispensable at Bloomfield Road.
But Blackpool manager Steve Bruce is unwilling to sanction a sale without a significant fight. Apter has only just broken into the first team after a string of successful loan spells, including a prolific season at Tranmere Rovers where he netted 12 goals and won the League Two Young Player of the Season award.
Signed from Tranmere’s academy as a teenager, Apter’s development has been carefully managed. He’s had spells with Bamber Bridge, Chester, Scunthorpe United, and Tranmere, steadily rising through the pyramid before exploding onto the League One stage last year. He capped off his breakout campaign with a blistering 12-minute hat-trick against Stevenage in April.
Blackpool rewarded his form with a new three-and-a-half-year deal in January, signalling their intention to build around him. But that hasn’t deterred Charlton, who are said to be preparing a formal approach.
Apter’s ability to operate wide or centrally, and his work ethic off the ball, makes him an ideal fit for Jones’ pressing system. With a thin attacking midfield unit at Charlton and a focus on younger signings, the move could offer the Liverpool-born playmaker a fresh platform in the Championship.
Writer’s View
Rob Apter is fast becoming one of the EFL’s most exciting young midfielders—and it’s easy to see why Charlton want him. He’s creative, brave in possession, and brings a goal threat from deep. His record last season proves he can handle the rigours of League One, and at 22, he’s ready for the next step.
But Blackpool are right to dig in. With a long contract in place and a manager like Steve Bruce backing him, Apter could be the linchpin for a promotion push on the Fylde coast. Whether Charlton can tempt him away may come down to how much they’re willing to pay—and how far Apter wants to go, how fast.
