Blackpool have agreed a deal to sign Middlesbrough defender Finley Munroe on loan, sources have told reporters. The 21-year-old is undergoing a medical today, and will complete final checks and formalities ahead of finalising a move to the Seasiders on a season-long loan deal. Predominantly a left-back but also capable of playing at centre-back, the defender's availability saw him emerge as a leading target for Ian Evatt's side. Munroe joined Middlesbrough permanently in January from Aston Villa for a fee of around £300,000, and they have high hopes for his long-term development at the Riverside. However, after he made just three Championship appearances in the second half of last season, Kim Hellberg is keen for him to continue his development on loan. Munroe's contract is set to run until 2030 after he penned a long-term deal, and a move to League One with Blackpool is seen as the ideal next step for his progress.
Munroe has built up a strong reputation over the last few years, having spent time on loan at Real Union and Swindon Town before his permanent move to Middlesbrough. It was his displays in a 27-game spell with Swindon that saw Boro splash out to bring him in permanently, and a step up to League One is now seen as ideal. Blackpool have identified the left-back as an improvement on their current options, with Evatt determined to strengthen his squad ahead of the start of the league season. Following the departure of club stalwart James Husband at the end of last season, work began behind the scenes to identify potential replacements. Munroe has emerged as their leading target in the position, with negotiations having been ongoing since last month, and a deal has now been agreed between all parties.
Ahead of Munroe's move to Middlesbrough in the January transfer window, he had been highly sought after by clubs across the EFL thanks to his displays for Swindon. The left-back set up six assists and scored two goals in the first half of last season, leading to growing interest in his signature as he remains very highly regarded. Football Insider exclusively revealed in January that Championship side Preston North End and League One's Leyton Orient were going head to head for his signature. Both clubs had been keen to agree loan moves before Middlesbrough swooped to land a permanent deal, but the interest in short-term moves elsewhere has not faded. Blackpool have now moved quickly to beat a number of their League One rivals to the defender's signature, with a medical now set to take place ahead of the move.
With Munroe set to join the Seasiders on a season-long loan, Blackpool will be looking to make the most of his talents in the upcoming season. The 21-year-old's arrival will provide a much-needed boost to the team's left-back options, and his ability to play at centre-back will also give Evatt more flexibility in his team selection. As Blackpool look to build on their recent form, which has seen them win their last five league games, Munroe's arrival will be a significant addition to the squad. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 13th in League One, 60 pts, 17W-9D-20L from 46 games, recent form WWWWL. Goals this season: 54 scored, 65 conceded (-11 goal difference). Title race: 43 points behind leaders Lincoln. Last result: Reading 0-1 Blackpool (2026-05-02). Recent form (last 5): 5W-0D-0L (WWWWW, most recent first); on a 5-game winning run. Next fixture: vs Leicester (at home, 2026-10-03).
