Walsall complete signing of midfielder Ryan Finnigan on loan from Blackpool

The 21-year-old has spent the last 18 months at Bloomfield Road - scoring three goals in 18 appearances for the League One outfit. 

Finnigan started his career at Southampton and made his senior debut in a 2-0 win over Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup in January 2021. 

He went on to feature for Saints' under-21s in the Vertu Trophy before featuring 16 times during his first loan at Crewe Alexandra in League Two, scoring once. 

The youngster joined Shrewsbury Town on loan in 2023 but saw his temporary stay cut short due to an ankle injury. 

"I've played in nearly every role in midfield so I think that versatility can help me," Finnigan said. 

"I want to get on the ball, dominate games, I'm not afraid to put a foot in and cover ground. I can be a physical threat as well. 

"For me, the main aspiration is to try and get into this team as it's a very good squad. When the team's winning, it will be difficult to break in but I'm confident that will happen, and what it does, I will try and enjoy it, and play with a smile on my face." 

Finnigan becomes the Saddlers' 12th signing of the summer transfer window and the fourth to arrive via the loan market. 

Boss Mat Sadler added: "Ryan is someone I contacted the guys at Blackpool about as soon as the season finished because I wanted to try and bring him to the club. 

"It's taken a bit of time because he's been needed by them but we thank Blackpool for their help on this one. 

"He's a really good young player, he had a good loan spell at Crewe a few years back and through different reasons hasn't had the game time he wants. 

"Ryan is a box-to-back midfielder, good on the ball and wants to progress the ball from the middle to the front thirds." 

Finnigan will wear the No 29 shirt for Walsall.