After winning League Two and achieving promotion last season, Stockport County will be looking ahead for some crucial reinforcements in the coming window.
One player that has caught the attention of Dave Challinor as a possible acquisition, is Sheffield Wednesday’s Malik Wilks. County are said to be very interested in joining the race for the English winger alongside Charlton Athletic and Reading.
This report comes from Football Insider and the 25-year-old could claim a loan or a permanent move to any of the eager parties. Wilks is a seasoned Championship and League One player, having appeared for Barnsley, Hull City and Wednesday most recently.
County have already announced one signing this window, with Jay Mingi coming into the club from Colchester United. The 23-year-old has joined last year’s League Two champions and could link up with Wilks if a move materialises.
✍️ Welcome to County, 𝗝𝗮𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗶!
We are delighted to announce we have agreed terms for the transfer of the Colchester United man, who will join us for an undisclosed fee once the transfer window opens.
Our first signing of the Summer 🤝#StockportCounty
— Stockport County (@StockportCounty) May 24, 2024
Last season’s campaign with the Owls was very poor as he only managed to play 15 times in the second tier for Danny Röhl’s side, and didn’t register a single goal. Optimistically however, Wilks has been a standout performer in two League One seasons prior. In 2020/21, the Englishman scored 19 times in 44 league appearances for the Tigers and in 2018/19, Doncaster Rovers enjoyed the winger’s 14 League One goals.
The former Barnsley man will likely be in search of a more consistent starting spot, with his first team involvement diminishing under Röhl. Stockport will be a new face to the league and are set to battle two sides who are in search of more ambitious seasons following last year’s respective disappointments.
With a relatively small sample size, FotMob suggest that Wilks is a very tricky winger with a commitment to defensive duties; he ranks in the 97th percentile for duels won per 90 and in the 92nd for recoveries. This is a comparison between similar player profiles in last year’s Championship.
Writer’s View
It will be difficult for a newly-promoted side to battle against the bigger names of Charlton and Reading next season. However, the upward trajectory of Stockport could be an appealing factor for Wilks, with a more consistent starting spot looking likely.
If a deal is struck, then the former Hull City player could flourish in Challinor’s promising side. Wilks has already proved to be electrifying in the third-tier during several stints. Considering there is still potential for development yet, this could be a perfect switch this summer for both parties.