Sunderland have loaned midfielder Elliot Embleton to League One rivals Blackpool for the rest of the season. The clubs official website announced the news ahead of the transfer window closing.
It was also confirmed that before Embleton left, The Black Cats extended his contract. The 21-year-olds current deal was due to expire this summer; however, this has been extended until the summer of 2021.
Blackpool Seal Loan Deal for Sunderland Midfielder Elliot Embleton
A Move That May Come as a Surprise
In a move that may surprise many fans, highly thought of midfielder Elliot Embleton will spend the remainder of the season at Blackpool.
Embleton has made 12 appearances do for this season for the Black Cats and was beginning to get regular game time under new head coach Lee Johnson.
The hope will be that Embleton will continue his development by being a regular starter for the Seasiders under their boss Neil Critchley.
Sunderland Have a Plan For Elliot Embleton’s Progression
Sunderland’s Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman told the clubs official website: “Elliot requires a little more opportunity than we can provide at this moment and it’s an important period for him following the time he missed through injury.
“We have a clear plan for his progression and felt that under Neil, Blackpool was a great chance for him to gain more experience at this level in a different environment.
“We’ve taken the option on his contract for next season and we are all aligned on what he needs to do in the period leading up to the summer. He’s really excited about the challenge and we look forward to supporting him from afar.”
Elliot Embleton has a Bright Future
Elliot Embleton is highly thought of in Sunderland and beyond. The youngster impressed during a loan spell at Grimsby Town and is an England youth international. It is of the hope that playing week in week out at Blackpool in League One will aid the progression of the midfielder and return to Sunderland a better player for the experience.
Head coach Lee Johnson has been impressed with Embleton despite a rocky start. He told the Sunderland Echo: “I really like Elliot, he’s been excellent. He’s probably been the most hard-done-by in my team selections at the moment.
“If I’ve had ten training sessions so far here, let’s say, I reckon he’s been in the top three trainers at least four or five times. It wasn’t a great start in terms of a first impression, but since then he’s made a really good impression. He’s knuckled down and showed his quality.”
Main Photo
