Blackpool Defender Completes SPFL Switch

Blackpool defender Marvin Ekpiteta has completed a permanent switch to SPFL side Hibernian, following his departure from the League One side.

The 28-year-old has played an important role for Blackpool since his initial arrival in 2020 and featured regularly last season but had his exit confirmed following the club narrowly missing out on a play-off spot.

However, the defender hasn’t remained a free agent for long as he has completed a move up to Scottish Premiership side Hibernian ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

How did Ekpiteta fare last season?

The defender made a total of 40 appearances in all competitions for Blackpool last season, scoring three goals in the process and wore the captain’s armband on several occasions.

Ekpiteta has played the full 90 minutes in 18 of his last 19 matches for the League One side, ending his time at the club with a 3-2 defeat against Reading.

The former Leyton Orient defender averaged an 82% pass completion rate as well as 4.3 clearances and 3.7 ball recoveries per 90 minutes. He also helped to keep 13 clean sheets for the League One side last season.

Is this a good move for Hibernian?

After his permanent move to the SPFL side was confirmed, Ekpiteta can now look ahead to pre-season and a fresh start in a new league and country with Hibernian.

During his time at Blackpool, Ekpiteta made over 100 appearances in both League One and the Championship, establishing himself as one of the club’s best players and earning the privilege of captaining the side on several occasions.

Ekpiteta will bring a high level of experience and leadership to the Hibernian back-line, as well as proving to be influential at both ends of the pitch.

Is Ekpiteta’s departure a loss for Blackpool?

Losing a player that has been a regular feature for your side over the last few seasons is almost always going to be a blow for any club and this isn’t different with Ekpiteta.

Blackpool will lose his leadership qualities and overall ability, meaning they will need to replace him before the new League One campaign gets underway.

He managed to contribute to 16 goals in 143 appearances and having a goal-scoring defender could be an area that Blackpool feel they need to add this summer.

The League One side have already signed the likes of Jordan Rhodes (Huddersfield) and Hayden Coulson (Middlesbrough) but are yet to sign an experienced replacement for Ekpiteta.