Walsall have strengthened their midfield options with the signing of Ryan Finnigan from Blackpool on a season-long loan.
The 21-year-old came through the academy at Southampton, making his senior debut in the FA Cup against Shrewsbury Town in January 2021. He gained valuable senior experience on loan at Crewe Alexandra and Shrewsbury Town before making a permanent switch to Blackpool in January 2024.
Finnigan has since made 18 appearances for the Tangerines in all competitions, scoring three goals. However, he has found regular game time hard to come by in League One, and Walsall boss Matt Sadler has now moved quickly to secure his services for the 2025/26 campaign.
Speaking on the move, Finnigan said:
“I’ve played in nearly every role in midfield so that versatility, I think, can help me. I want to get on the ball, dominate games, I’m not afraid to put a foot in and cover ground. I can also be a physical threat as well.”
Sadler added:
“Ryan is someone I contacted the guys at Blackpool about as soon as the season finished because he’s one I wanted to try and bring to the club. He had a good loan spell at Crewe a few years back and through different reasons hasn’t had the game time that he wants. But he’s a very good young player who we’re looking forward to seeing the best of as the season continues.”
Finnigan’s versatility is a key asset. Comfortable as a deep-lying midfielder or further forward, he adds energy, composure, and a goal threat to the Saddlers’ engine room.
📊 Key FotMob Stats – 2024/25 League One (Blackpool):
• Appearances: 10
• Goals: 1
• Assists: 0
• Minutes played: 546
Percentile rank among League One midfielders:
• 87% – Goals scored
• 35% – Shot attempts
• 41% – Chances created
• 55% – Aerial duels won
• 49% – Defensive contributions
🟥 ZONE RUMOURED
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