According to reporter Pete O’Rourke, winger Owen Dale of Blackpool has decided to join League One opponent Oxford United permanently.
Dale was signed by Blackpool during the January 2022 transfer window from Crewe Alexandra. Since then, he has made 47 appearances for the Tangerines, tallying three assists and six goals. He also spent a season on loan at Portsmouth.
Due to his contract expiring in the summer and his inability to secure a spot in Neil Critchley’s starting lineup, there have been rumors that he may be moving before Thursday’s 11 p.m. deadline. Now, his departure has been agreed upon, according to a recent update from reporter O’Rourke.
According to O’Rourke’s article on X, Dale has decided to permanently switch from Blackpool to Oxford United, a League One competitor.
There is still plenty of time before the deadline to finish the legalities associated with the 25-year-old’s relocation to Kassam Stadium. He will broaden Des Buckingham’s alternatives and, if necessary, provide his services centrally.
An ideal move?
Although Dale appeared to be a promising player while at Crewe Alexandra, he hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations since joining Blackpool. Moving to Oxford United maintains him at a level he is well-acquainted with while enabling him to remain with a team aiming to contend for the League One play-offs.
The Warrington-born winger’s contract expires in the summer, which also spares him from the uncertainty of becoming a free agent at the end of the year.
After finding it difficult to make an impression at Bloomfield Road, he will be looking to maximize his potential with the U’s. Many players have flourished at Kassam Stadium, and with Des Buckingham leading the way, it might be the best spot for Dale to make a fresh start following his time in the northwest.
