Stoke City explored attacking reinforcements in January, with multiple players linked.
Stoke City entered the winter transfer window knowing they had to get their recruitment right. It was the first opportunity for new manager Mark Robins to shape the squad to his vision.
Recruitment has been a long-standing issue for the Potters, with few instances where they’ve truly nailed their transfer business. Regardless of who has been in charge or leading recruitment, success in the market has been rare.
One deal that did pay off was Tom Cannon’s loan last summer. The striker scored nine goals in the first half of the season, but his departure to Sheffield United left Stoke in need of a replacement. While several strikers were linked, they eventually signed Ali Al-Hamadi. However, one rumored target they should be relieved to have missed out on is Jayden Danns.
Danns’ Sunderland Struggles
Danns was a highly sought-after talent in January, with multiple Championship clubs interested as Liverpool looked to loan him out for first-team experience.
On paper, Stoke could have been an ideal destination. Cannon had already thrived with the Potters, and Danns’ Liverpool academy teammate Lewis Koumas is also part of Stoke’s ranks. However, the move to Sunderland has been nothing short of a disaster for the young striker.
A back issue flagged in his medical sidelined him immediately. Initial hopes were that he’d return quickly after treatment at Liverpool, but nearly three months later, he has yet to make his Sunderland debut.
There’s optimism he could return to training in April, but it remains uncertain. While Stoke might have welcomed a promising talent like Danns, in hindsight, he would have only added to their growing injury list.
Stoke Still in Need of a Goal-Scorer
After Cannon’s exit, Stoke desperately needed a reliable striker. A fully fit Danns could have been that player, but Al-Hamadi was ultimately the one brought in. Despite showing promise, the Iraqi international has only managed two goals in seven games and has now picked up an injury himself.
This leaves some questioning whether Stoke dodged one problem only to land in another.
With eight games left and survival at stake, the responsibility for goals now falls to Sam Gallagher. Robins could also turn to young prospects Nathan Lowe and Emre Tezgel in a bid to keep the Potters clear of the drop zone.
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