Stoke City consider potential striker departure as deadline day looms
Stoke City are assessing their options regarding the future of young striker Nathan Lowe, with interest growing as the January transfer window edges towards its conclusion. The Potters have received enquiries about the possibility of sending the 20-year-old out on loan once again, particularly as he moves closer to a return from injury.
Lowe first caught the eye during the opening half of last season after an impressive and prolific loan spell with League Two side Walsall, where he found the net 19 times. A product of Stoke City’s academy since primary school age, the forward was recalled to the bet365 Stadium in January on an emergency basis following Tom Cannon’s departure and an injury setback suffered by Sam Gallagher.
At the start of the current campaign, Lowe joined Stockport County on loan in League One and quickly made his mark, scoring seven goals before his progress was halted by a leg injury in December. As a result, his loan spell was cut short and he returned to Stoke for treatment. The striker is now targeting a February return to action as he continues his recovery.
Stoke’s decision-making has been complicated by an ongoing striker shortage, with Robert Bozenik, Sam Gallagher, Divin Mubama and Emre Tezgel all sidelined by injuries at the same time. That situation has opened the door for Lamine Cisse to stake a claim in the central forward role, while Milan Smit has also arrived from Go Ahead Eagles to bolster attacking options.
With the transfer deadline set for 7pm on Monday, Stoke must now determine what course of action best serves both the club and the player. Should Lowe regain full fitness in time, there is expected to be no shortage of League One clubs ready to provide him with regular minutes.
Speaking on the situation, head coach Mark Robins confirmed discussions are ongoing, saying: “He’s hopeful of being back in the not too distant future. I know there is some interest in Nathan to go back out on loan and that will be under discussion in the next 24 or 48 hours.”
The coming days will be crucial as Stoke weigh up whether another loan move would aid Lowe’s development or whether he remains part of their plans for the remainder of the season.
