Former QPR right-back Osman Kakay is on trial at EFL League One club Blackpool, according to reports from the Blackpool Gazette.
Kakay, 27, played in the second half as Steve Bruce’s side lost out to Accrington Stanley in a friendly behind closed doors. A 77th minute goal from Stanley midfielder Ben Woods was enough to succumb the Seasiders to defeat in their first pre-season test.
OSMAN KAKAY TO DATE
The Sierra Leone international came through the R’s academy, spending time on loan at Livingston, Chesterfield and Partick Thistle, before breaking into the Hoops’ first team. He would go on to make 113 appearances for the Loftus Road club, including 23 in the 2023/24 EFL Championship season.
Kakay departed the club following his release at the end of the 23/24 season and would spend a period of time as a free agent. His next move saw him take his services abroad, joining Portuguese top-flight side Boavista, with whom he made nine Primeira Liga appearances.
BLACKPOOL’S RIGHT BACK POSITION
The position of right-back is one Steve Bruce has admitted Blackpool are looking to strengthen in as they continue to recruit for the upcoming season.
Following the release of Jordan Gabriel and return of Brighton and Hove Albion loanee Odel Offiah the Seasiders find themselves short stocked, with competition needed for the club’s only remaining natural right-back Andy Lyons.
Matters are further complicated by the fact that the Irish defender spent all but one matchday of last season sidelined by a nasty knee injury, which he suffered in February 2024.
Whilst the 24-year-old offers a natural replacement to Offiah and Gabriel, Bruce will no doubt be wary of managing the young defenders game time to ensure his fitness upon his return to competitive football.
WHAT NEXT?
Blackpool have made some shrewd signings already this transfer window, aimed at bolstering their squad and increasing competition amongst existing players as they look to return to the EFL Championship.
Experience has been the motto of the window, and Kakay would certainly deliver that. Above all, Bruce has favoured players with a Championship background and with Kakay having spent several seasons in the second tier, he may be just the man the Seasiders need.
With 26 international caps under his belt, Kakay would no doubt bring competition and depth to a position the Seasiders need filling. With Blackpool’s first preseason fixture with fans scheduled for Saturday, away at neighbours AFC Fylde, fans may be given the chance to judge themselves if he is the right man to offer competition to Andy Lyons this season.
