Tom Cannon has been tipped to make a significant impact in Stoke City’s Championship campaign following his deadline-day loan move from Leicester City.
The 21-year-old striker found himself surplus to requirements at Leicester under manager Steve Cooper and has now set his sights on revitalising his career at the bet365 Stadium.
Cannon’s opportunities at Leicester were limited, having made just three starts for the Foxes. His prospects diminished further when Stephy Mavididi was preferred over him to replace the injured Patson Daka during pre-season.
With the signing of Odsonne Edouard from Crystal Palace on deadline day, Cannon’s chances of first-team football became even slimmer, prompting his move to Staffordshire in search of regular game time.
Cannon Backed to Transform Stoke’s Season
Stoke City, who have struggled to find consistent goals this season, are hopeful that Cannon can provide the firepower they desperately need. The Potters managed to fend off competition from several other Championship clubs to secure his signature, underlining their belief in his potential.
The former Everton youngster could make his debut against Oxford United this weekend, and Sky Sports EFL pundit Don Goodman has backed Cannon to be a key player for Stoke manager Steve Schumacher.
Speaking to the Stoke Sentinel, Goodman said: “Tom Cannon is a huge signing for Stoke, there is no doubt about that. Steven Schumacher hasn’t really had much room for manoeuvre this summer, so it’s been about coaching the players he currently has to win games of football and they’ve had a solid start.
“But Tom Cannon will be a very good addition. When you look at their forwards now, they’ve got Cannon and Sam Gallagher to add to the others, which means they’ve gone from slim pickings when it comes to forwards to having some very good options.”
Why Leicester Let Cannon Leave
Cannon’s loan move brings an end to a frustrating spell at Leicester, where he was eager for more first-team opportunities. Last season, he found himself behind Kelechi Iheanacho, Patson Daka, and Jamie Vardy in the pecking order, leaving him with little chance to shine.
The arrival of Edouard and Jordan Ayew this summer pushed him even further down the list, making a loan move essential for his development.
Stoke fans are already excited about what Cannon could bring to their side, especially given his time spent learning from Leicester legend Jamie Vardy.
Cannon himself has spoken highly of the experience of training with Vardy, saying:
“He’s one of the best at it, if not the best. Growing up, I used to watch clips of him, and to be there with him in training was a bit mad at first, but you get used to it.
“I became good mates with him but it was good that he was there to learn off and just add little bits from his game into my game. It’s only going to improve me.”
Stoke City will now be hoping that Cannon can bring some of that Vardy magic to their attack as they push for a successful Championship campaign.