Walsall have joined the race for Stevenage striker Aaron Pressley as they look to bolster their forward line ahead of a fresh promotion push.
The Saddlers are in need of firepower after the loss of Nathan Lowe derailed their League Two campaign last season.
Walsall Eye Pressley To Fix Striker Shortage
Pressley is attracting interest from several EFL sides, but it’s Walsall’s pursuit that carries particular weight following their failure to convert a dominant first half of the 2024/25 season into promotion. With Nathan Lowe returning to his parent club in January, the Saddlers’ goals dried up just as the pressure ramped up — a collapse that ultimately cost them a top-three finish.
Pressley spent the second half of last season on loan at Barrow, scoring four times in 20 outings. While not prolific, his physical presence and hold-up play earned him admirers, particularly among clubs looking for a focal point to lead the line in a promotion campaign.
Walsall’s attacking shortcomings were evident in the second half of the campaign. Without Lowe, they lacked a reliable number nine, and although goals came sporadically from midfield, it was clear a recognised striker would be needed to take them one step further in 2025/26.
Stevenage Restructure Could Open Door
Stevenage boss Alex Revell is understood to be willing to part with Pressley, who missed the first part of the previous season through injury. Despite his return to fitness, the forward did not feature in Revell’s plans and was allowed to leave on loan in January. With Stevenage now looking to revamp their attack after finishing as the third-lowest scorers in League One, offloading fringe players is seen as a key step before new additions arrive.
Pressley’s departure would free up space and resources at the Lamex Stadium, where summer business has so far been limited in attacking areas. Wolves loanee Chem Campbell has arrived to inject some flair, but with Dan Kemp and Jamie Reid the only players to net more than five league goals last season, reinforcements are still needed.
Writer’s View
This move makes sense on all sides. Walsall need a number nine with presence, pedigree, and room for growth, and Aaron Pressley fits that profile. He may not have lit up League Two with Barrow, but the underlying attributes — strength, movement, and an eye for goal — suggest untapped potential in the right setup.
Given how Walsall’s campaign nosedived after Lowe’s departure, it’s clear they cannot afford to go into the new season light up top. Pressley wouldn’t just plug a gap; he could become the focal point of a side desperate to convert promise into promotion.
