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Stoke City’s first half of the season has not quite lived up to pre-campaign expectations.
Narcís Pelach has taken over the team from Steven Schumacher, but results have not been consistent under the Spaniard.
The Potters are mid-table heading into the November international break and will hope to put together a good run of form before the January transfer window opens.
The winter market could offer a great opportunity for the club, especially as it will be Pelach’s first chance to make changes to the first-team squad.
However, the new year could also raise concerns for the Championship side, particularly regarding the future of Tom Cannon.
Tom Cannon January Concern Raised
When asked about his main concern for Stoke’s January window, FLW’s Stoke fan pundit, Sam Harrison, pointed to the future of Tom Cannon.
Leicester City have the option to recall the forward in January, which Harrison feels could significantly impact the team if the Foxes choose to exercise that option.
“My main concern heading into the January transfer window is the possibility of a loan player being recalled, as happened to Stoke last season,” Harrison told Football League World.
“Last season, it happened with Mark Travers. We then brought in Daniel Iversen, who was a good replacement, so it didn’t hurt us too much, but it did have an impact.
“However, I think the situation is much more critical this time because of Tom Cannon. Leicester have the option to recall him, whether they want him in the first team or to sell him for a profit.
“That could definitely happen, and it’s one of those things where we know what we’re getting—goals. We haven’t seen a striker like him for a while, someone consistently putting the ball in the back of the net.
“Yes, some of his goals are penalties, but it’s also the overall contribution he brings to the team.
“His impact is huge in terms of what he’s adding to Pelach’s side, and he’s a key player. My biggest worry is whether he gets recalled in January.
“If we can keep him, it will be massive for the club and the rest of the season. But if Leicester are looking to sell, how much of a risk do we take? We know what he can do, but will his performances at Stoke persuade Leicester to keep him? We just don’t know, and at the moment, that’s the biggest concern going into January.”
Tom Cannon’s Impact at Stoke
Tom Cannon has made 11 appearances in the Championship so far this season, scoring 6 goals and registering 1 assist, making him the club’s top scorer.
Cannon joined Stoke on loan from Leicester in the summer after struggling for game time with the Foxes last season. Since then, the 21-year-old has made a significant impact, with his 6 goals more than doubling the tally of the next best scorer, Million Manhoef.
As of November 12, Stoke are 13th in the league and will play QPR on November 23.
Stoke Are in a Difficult Position with Cannon
Supporters are often advised not to get too attached to loan players, but Cannon’s goals will be hard to replace if he departs in January.
The Potters must hope that Leicester are satisfied with his progress and will choose to wait until the summer to decide his future.
If he stays, the young forward will be a crucial part of Pelach’s plans for the second half of the season. Losing him would be a significant blow.
It remains unclear whether the club could afford to make a permanent move for Cannon, as it is unkn
own how much Leicester would ask to sell him.