Luton Town have sanctioned Jerry Yates’ departure, allowing the striker to complete a season-long loan move to Blackpool.
The 29-year-old has returned to Bloomfield Road three years after leaving the Seasiders for Swansea City.
Yates previously spent three seasons with Blackpool, scoring 46 goals across 139 appearances following his arrival from Rotherham United in 2020. His first campaign ended with promotion to the Championship after Blackpool defeated Lincoln City 2-1 in the League One play-off final.
He remained with the club for another two years before moving to Swansea following Blackpool’s relegation from the second tier in 2023.
Yates scored nine times in 46 appearances during his only full season with the Welsh club, before spending the 2024/25 campaign on loan with Derby County. He reached double figures for the Rams, registering 10 goals as they retained their Championship status.
Luton brought Yates back to League One last summer, but his stay at Kenilworth Road has not developed as either party would have hoped.
The forward scored seven goals in 29 appearances during the first half of the campaign, before being allowed to join Sheffield Wednesday on loan in January. He was subsequently made available for another move during the summer transfer window, opening the door for Blackpool to secure his return.
His arrival gives the Seasiders a player with extensive experience across League One and the Championship, as well as someone already familiar with the club and Bloomfield Road.
Yates produced some of his most prolific football during his previous spell on the Lancashire coast. He finished the 2020/21 promotion season with 23 goals in all competitions and continued to play regularly for Blackpool during their two subsequent Championship campaigns.
The move also offers the striker an opportunity to rebuild his career at a club where he has already enjoyed considerable success. His time with Swansea, Derby, Luton and Sheffield Wednesday has provided regular second-tier experience, but he has not remained at one club for longer than a season since leaving Blackpool.
He now returns tasked with helping the Seasiders challenge in League One, while Luton have sanctioned his temporary departure only a year after bringing him to Kenilworth Road.
