Oxford United have joined Lincoln City in the battle for Blackpool’s Jordan Gabriel, reporter Alan Nixon has said on his Patreon
Oxford United are heading up to the Championship after just pipping Lincoln City to 6th place.
The U’s sneaked into the League One play-off playoffs, and they secured their berth in the second division for the 2024–2025 season by defeating Bolton Wanderers in the championship game at Wembley after defeating Peterborough United over two legs.
It indicates that a crucial summer transfer window is coming up, and Des Buckingham’s team might have to contend with Lincoln, one of their longtime rivals, for one of their goals.
Reporter Alan Nixon reported on Patreon that Oxford United had entered the competition to sign Blackpool right-back Jordan Gabriel, alongside the Imps. He was scheduled to replace Lasse Sorensen for Lincoln City, but Buckingham might provide him with a path back to the Championship.
Nixon points out that Gabriel’s contract is about to expire, therefore he could be available on a ‘bargain’.
On the move?
Since coming through the Nottingham Forest system, Gabriel has established himself as a reliable right-hand side option in both the Championship and League One.
Due to injuries, he missed a significant portion of the previous campaign. When he did play for Blackpool in December, the 25-year-old made both starts and cameo appearances. In total, he made 28 appearances, contributing four goals as Neil Critchley’s wing-back.
In 105 games for the Tangerines, he has recorded three assists and five goals overall. It is possible, nonetheless, that he does not contribute to that sum.
It could be wiser for Blackpool to take advantage of Gabriel now, before he enters the final year of his contract, to minimise the possibility of losing him for free.
Oxford United and Lincoln City will be intrigued by the possibility of a low-cost acquisition, so that will undoubtedly catch their attention.
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