Oxford United are set to complete the permanent signing of Blackpool winger Owen Dale before the window closes tomorrow evening, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The 25-year-old is set to complete a permanent switch to the Kassam Stadium in a bid to keep the football club in the League One promotion mix and was spotted at yesterday’s match against Portsmouth.
Who is Owen Dale?
The talented winger is another product of the Crewe Alexandra academy, making over 100 appearances before joining Blackpool on a loan deal in August 2021 which was made permanent six months later.
Dale spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at League One side Portsmouth but is now set to make a permanent switch to Oxford United after falling out of favour at Bloomfield Road.
So far this season, Dale has made 32 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and picking up two assists in the process but has been reduced to a substitute option in league competition this season.
Competing for promotion
Oxford United currently sit sixth in League One after falling on tough times since manager Liam Manning moved onto Bristol City.
James Henry’s last-minute equaliser saw Oxford United climb above Stevenage into the final playoff place and have slipped to seven points outside of the top two whilst playing two games more.
What’s been said?
Journalist Pete O’Rourke confirmed the news of Dale’s impending move on social media, confirming he was set to complete a permanent move to Oxford United instead of seeing out the final six months of his contract at Bloomfield Road.
Whether Oxford United have paid a fee or it’s a free transfer remains to be seen.
Writer’s View
Owen Dale is a talented player and proved that at Crewe Alexandra but has struggled to settle since making the initial 2021 switch to Bloomfield Road on loan.
Linking up with Des Buckingham’s side will allow the winger to reestablish himself as a talented League One player and will also allow him to properly enjoy his football once again.