Blackpool has completed the signing of striker Dion Charles on a season-long loan from Huddersfield Town, the League One club announced on June 27, 2026.
The 30-year-old Northern Ireland international returns to the club where his professional career began, having come through the youth academy before being released in 2014 without a senior appearance.
Charles joined Huddersfield from Bolton Wanderers in January 2025 for a significant six-figure fee but struggled to make an impact, scoring four goals in 55 appearances.
He is entering the final year of his contract with the Terriers.
Mutually Beneficial Move
Huddersfield sporting director Chris Markham said the loan allows the club to finalize roster adjustments early under head coach Martin Drury, who also sanctioned the departure of Alfie May to Doncaster Rovers for the 2026-27 campaign.
“Dion joining Blackpool on loan is a move that suits the best interests of everyone involved,” Markham stated.
“We could not guarantee Dion minutes in the coming season, and he now has the opportunity for a fresh start.”
Drury expressed his support for the forward.
“I’d like to wish Dion the very best of luck with his loan move to Blackpool,” he said.
“I’m pleased that we’ve reached a mutually beneficial agreement.”
The move reunites Charles with Blackpool manager Ian Evatt, under whom he scored 57 goals in 149 matches at Bolton Wanderers and won the 2023 EFL Trophy.
“I’m delighted to be able to bring Dion to the Club and work with him once again,” Evatt said.
“He is someone I was keen to reunite with as we had a very successful period together at Bolton.”
Evatt highlighted Charles’ extensive third-tier experience, having scored 77 total goals in League One for clubs including Accrington Stanley, Fleetwood Town, and AFC Fylde.
“Dion is a top player who knows how to score goals in this division,” Evatt added. “He will add real quality and experience to our forward line.”
Charles welcomed the opportunity to play under Evatt again to regain his prolific scoring form.
“As soon as I heard that the move was on the cards, I jumped at the chance to come here,” he said.
“The gaffer knows what I’m about.
He can get the best out of me and I’ve played the best football of my career under him so it’s really exciting times,” Charles concluded.
