The Crossroads of a Career: What’s Next for Jerry Yates?

Jerry Yates stands at a pivotal juncture in his professional career. Having experienced a notable decline in form and standing since his prolific spell at Blackpool, the striker is now firmly on the transfer list at Swansea City, with a permanent return to South Wales appearing increasingly improbable.  As the summer 2025 transfer window progresses, several clubs are reportedly vying for his signature, each offering a potential pathway to reignite a career that has faltered in the Championship.

Yates, currently 28 years old, is under contract with Swansea City until June 2026, with an option for an additional 12 months.  However, his future at the club is undoubtedly uncertain.  After joining the Swans for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2023, his debut season saw him net a modest nine goals in all competitions, including eight in the league.  This fell significantly short of the expectations set by his impressive 42 goals in 123 league appearances for Blackpool. The 2024-25 season saw him loaned out to Derby County, where he registered 10 goals and four assists in 42 Championship appearances.  While a slight improvement, it wasn’t enough to secure a permanent move to Pride Park, and he has since returned to Swansea.  Notably, he was excluded from Swansea’s pre-season training camp squad, a clear indicator of the club’s desire to move him on.

The current links for Jerry Yates predominantly point towards a return to League One, the division where he previously excelled. Blackpool are at the forefront of this speculation, with reports indicating a “very tentative inquiry” from the Tangerines and overwhelming support from their fanbase for a reunion.   A return to Bloomfield Road would see Yates back at a club where he enjoyed arguably the most successful period of his career, becoming a “cult hero” and a significant contributor to their promotion to the Championship in 2021.   Given his previous success in League One, this move makes considerable sense for both player and club.

Beyond Blackpool, other League One clubs are being encouraged to consider a move for Yates. Oxford United and Leyton Orient are two such teams, with analysts suggesting Yates’ Championship experience and proven goal-scoring ability in the third tier could significantly bolster their attacking options.   Preston North End has also been mentioned as a potential Championship suitor, with the prospect of Yates adding depth to their attacking lineup, especially given his double-figure goal tally in the Championship during his loan at Derby.   The reported fee for Yates is speculated to be around £1 million, a figure that clubs like Oxford could potentially afford after recent player sales.

The decline in Yates’ career since leaving Blackpool is multifaceted. At Blackpool, he was the focal point of their attack, playing in a system that maximized his strengths, leading to consistent goal tallies. His 23 goals in the 2020-21 promotion season and 15 goals in the 2022-23 Championship season (despite Blackpool’s relegation) highlight his effectiveness when settled and confident.   However, the move to Swansea City, arguably a step up in ambition and quality, proved challenging. He struggled to consistently find his rhythm and replicate his prolific form. While his loan spell at Derby showed signs of recovery, with 10 goals, it wasn’t a game-changing return that warranted a permanent move or convinced Swansea of his long-term value in their Championship plans.   The pressure of a new club and a more demanding league seemed to affect his confidence and output, a common hurdle for players making a step up.

For Swansea City, a way back for Jerry Yates appears virtually non-existent. The club is actively looking to offload him, with the Sporting Director, Richard Montague, focused on rebuilding the squad and securing players who align with the new vision.   Yates’ current wage, estimated around £11,000 per week, is also a factor, with the club keen to free up funds.   Manager Alan Sheehan is expected to give Yates a chance in pre-season, but the general sentiment is that if he doesn’t impress immediately, he will be sold.   His omission from the pre-season camp squad to Spain further solidifies this stance.   With only one year left on his contract, and with the club eager to move him on, a permanent transfer elsewhere is the most likely outcome. The financial aspect, combined with his underwhelming performance during his initial permanent spell, makes it clear that Swansea City has moved on from Yates as a key part of their future plans.

In conclusion, Jerry Yates is at a crucial career crossroads. A return to the Championship seems less likely unless a club like Preston North End sees him as a valuable squad player at a reduced fee. The most probable next step is a move back to League One, with Blackpool emerging as the front-runner.   This would offer him the familiar environment and the regular playing time he needs to rediscover the form that once made him one of the most feared strikers in the lower leagues. For Swansea City, it’s a matter of facilitating his departure to free up resources and continue their squad overhaul, with no realistic path for Yates to reintegrate into their plans.