Yahoo News Why legend of the long throw could be about to return to Stoke City as transfer talk grows
The summer transfer window has not even opened, yet Stoke City are busy putting in place a squad capable of ending their Championship woes. And it looks as if signing number three of the summer could already be on the way
Since relegation from the Premier League in 2018, the Potters have struggled to make an impact in the second tier, and in the just concluded season they even flirted with relegation to League One.
Head coach Steven Schumacher and new technical director Jon Walters are aiming to buck that worrying trend come 2024/25, and have already persuaded veteran defender Enda Stevens to sign a new deal and brought in highly-rated goalkeeper Viktor Johansson.
Now it seems they are closing on a deal for full-back Sam McCallum, who has been released by beaten play-offs team Norwich City ahead of his contract at Carrow Road expiring.
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According to the EDP Pink Un and now TeamTalk, the Potters are understood to be close to a deal for the 23-year-old left-back, who featured 27 times in the Championship last season as the Canaries reached the play-offs before being beaten by Leeds United.
To get the inside track on the former Coventry City youngster, we spoke to someone who saw McCallum in action more than most last term, the EDP’s chief Norwich City reporter Connor Southwell. And he reveals that the youngster has a talent that will be particularly appreciated by Stoke fans of old boy Rory Delap.
He said: “Sam McCallum was somebody who impressed when he played, but failed to dislodge Dimitris Giannoulis as Norwich's main starter at left back.
“He was impactful and a threat down the left with his pace, ability to deliver a range of crosses and willingness to join attacking situations, but often the defensive side of his game would prove costly.
“The defender joined Norwich from Coventry with plenty of promise, and whilst he improved during his time at Carrow Road, he didn't make the necessary strides to become a consistent starter. He did push Giannoulis, a Greek international, pretty close throughout his time at the club.
“There will be Norwich fans frustrated with his exit given his age and he was always popular with supporters, but the opportunity for a fresh challenge and regular football is what he needs at this stage of his career. If he does end up at Stoke, look out for his long throw.”
Perhaps not the most compelling reference for a player costing the Canaries a reported £3.5m in January 2020, although he is now believed to be valued at nearer £1m.
However, as understudy to a revitalised and injury-free Stevens, McCallum could have a role to play for the Potters next season.
