**Speculation Surrounds Jerry Yates’ Swansea City Future as Blackpool Weigh Options**
Questions are mounting around Jerry Yates’ future at Swansea City, as the striker’s name is once again linked with a potential return to Blackpool. Despite his contributions in Wales, Yates finds himself omitted from Swansea’s squad for their pre-season camp in Spain, fuelling rumours about a potential departure.
Blackpool manager Steve Bruce has openly expressed an interest in bringing the 28-year-old forward back to Bloomfield Road, where Yates previously made his mark. However, Bruce has signalled that financial and competitive hurdles might hinder such a move, especially as interest from Championship clubs complicates the Seasiders’ ambitions.
“If it was possible then, of course, we’d love to see Jerry back at Blackpool,” Bruce shared in comments to local media this week. He went on to emphasise the difficulty of competing with second-tier sides for Yates’ signature, noting, “He’s contracted to a club in a higher division at the moment, and if others are interested, especially at Championship level, it makes our job much harder.”
While speculation about Yates continues to swirl, Blackpool have yet to engage in any official talks over the forward. Bruce acknowledged the persistent media chatter but insists that no concrete steps have been taken: “We haven’t had any preliminary conversations yet. There’s a lot of talk around Jerry Yates, but until circumstances change, it’s a situation we’ll just have to monitor.”
Yates, who has a year remaining on his contract at the Swansea.com Stadium, is reportedly keen to continue playing at Championship level. Sources suggest the striker is unlikely to want to step down a division at this stage in his career, further complicating Blackpool’s hopes for a reunion.
Amid this transfer uncertainty, Swansea City are also dealing with potential interest in other key players. It has emerged that Middlesbrough are keeping close tabs on Josh Key, the Swansea full-back who has proved to be one of the club’s most reliable performers. Sources indicate a £5 million price tag could be enough to lure Key away, with several clubs reportedly monitoring his progress.
Despite this background noise, the Swans are continuing with their preparations for the new season in southern Spain. Notably, Key was absent from the friendly fixture against Stevenage, yet he remains part of the squad for the overseas training camp, suggesting his immediate future still involves Swansea.
One bright spot for Swansea amid roster uncertainty is new signing Bobby Wales. The young striker opened his account for the club during a pre-season friendly, finishing from close range against Stevenage after latching onto a Josh Tymon cross. The goal provided early reassurance of his potential, and Wales has spoken enthusiastically about adapting to life in south Wales.
“It’s always pleasing to score, especially when you’re new to the club,” Wales remarked following the game. He acknowledged the tough conditions, with high temperatures making for a stern test, but he praised the support of the travelling fans and the spirit within the squad.
Reflecting on the team’s overall performance and the benefits of the pre-season training camp, Wales added, “We’re developing on and off the pitch. This week has been challenging but positive. There’s lots to improve upon, and we’re committed to working hard together as we move towards the season ahead.”
As speculation continues regarding potential departures and arrivals, Swansea City remain focused on their pre-season preparations, aiming to be in the best possible position when the Championship season kicks off. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining which stars remain at the club and whether former favourites may yet return.