Walsall are leading the race to sign AFC Bournemouth striker Jonny Stuttle on loan, as per Football Insider.
Who Is Jonny Stuttle?
The 19-year-old striker came through the ranks at AFC Bournemouth, scoring three times in three appearances in the FA Youth Cup for the Cherries in the 2023/24 season.
He started last campaign in youth football, netting twice in three games in the Premier League Cup.
Stuttle then started his first stint in men’s football, joining Aldershot Town on loan.
The striker slightly struggled during his time at the Shots, making six league appearances totalling just 122 minutes. But, he did score his first goals in senior football in the FA Trophy.
After the expiration of his loan with Aldershot, Bournemouth decided to send him to the National League South, one tier lower than before, with Farnborough.
Stuttle burst into life for Spencer Day’s team, scoring 10 times and providing two assists in just 19 league appearances for the Yellows. He ended the season as their joint second-highest goalscorer.
Why Do Walsall Want Him?
Since Nathan Lowe was recalled by Stoke City in January, Walsall have had a void up front which needs to be filled.
Lowe’s impact was so great that the Saddlers failed to achieve promotion despite having a 12-point lead at the top of League Two last season.
The signing of Ellis Harrison on loan in January did not go to plan as the experienced striker scored just three times for Mat Sadler’s team. Additionally, Levi Amantchi, who was signed from Bromley on a permanent basis in January, has scored just four goals for Walsall.
Jamille Matt, who led the line for most of the second half of the season, is yet to sign a new contract at the Poundland Bescot Stadium whilst Danny Johnson has been released.
This means that Walsall are not only missing the dynamic presence of Nathan Lowe up front, but they are also lacking depth and variety in general with their options at the top of the pitch.
Writer’s View
Stuttle could prove to be an excellent signing for Walsall provided that he is given time and trust by his manager.
He showed his raw potential at Farnborough and his two loan spells last season will have taught him a lot about men’s football.
Sadler has proven that he is willing to give young players a chance and that he can get the best out of them with Lowe. He will be hoping to repeat the feat with Stuttle so that Walsall can go one step further than last season and win promotion from League Two.
