Stockport County are keen on Leicester City winger Tawanda Maswanhise after including him as a trialist in a recent ‘B’ team game.
A constant threat for the Foxes academy, Maswanhise has proved his quality. Whilst potent at youth level, the Zimbabwean international is keen to explore senior football. His chances at the Midlands-based side have been limited, with just one appearance off the bench in his tenure at the club. The forward came off the bench in a 3-2 win away to Millwall in the FA Cup in January.
A reason for his lack of opportunities is the Leicester’s depth in the attacking positions. The likes of Jamie Vardy, Patson Daka and Kelechi Iheanacho have all been ahead of him. Adding to this, Enzo Maresca signed young striker Tom Cannon, meaning Maswanhise was never likely to get a chance.
As the manager has a plethora of options at the top end of the pitch, he has allowed Maswanhise’s contract to dwindle down. With his impressive stats in youth football, imminent interest would come from newly crowned League Two champions Stockport County.
The 21-year-old has now embarked on a trial with the Hatters. Despite no acknowledgement of the trial, confusion was sparked as people noticed he played for Stockport’s B team recently.
He was given a run out in a 3-3 draw against Brentford B. In an impressive showing, the 21-year-old hit a hat-trick, with his performance earning many plaudits.
✏️ Six goals, a hat-trick, a missed penalty and plenty of drama – last night's B-team game proved to be a classic!
Read all about it in our match report, as a young County side claimed a
draw against Brentford B ⤵️ #StockportCounty— Stockport County (@StockportCounty) April 24, 2024
Having been at Leicester, Maswanhise will have gained much knowledge from world-class teammates like Vardy or James Maddison. He can use this to his advantage as he begins his career in senior football and adapts to the physicality.
Writer’s View
A move to Stockport on a free brings a new challenge and chance for more game time. Furthermore, the Hatters are on the up as of late. The club have won League Two and embark on their journey in the third tier, potentially giving Maswanhise an excellent opportunity of a good standard of football.
However, Stockport do have plenty of forward options. Paddy Madden and Isaac Olaofe provided a good output this season, both reaching over 15 goals with great versatility. This could limit the 21-year-old’s game time as Dave Challinor will entrust his pairing that won the title.
Overall, this would be a brilliant move for the forward. Chances at Leicester have been few this season and with potentially the Premier League ahead, will he be needed?
