Who are the two Stoke City loanees linked with Sheffield United? | OneFootball

With the recent players Sheffield United have been linked to, you’d be forgiven for thinking that when he’s not at Shirecliffe. Chris Wilder is spending all his free time at the Bet 365 Stadium. Plus, signing former Potters’ favourites Campbell and Souttar doesn’t help to dispel the thought that Wilder may be building a red-and-white Championship super team. It might be time for Sunderland to start blocking 0114 numbers.

The latest reportedly on Wilder’s list are Tom Cannon and Lewis Koumas. Both on loan at Stoke from Leicester City and Liverpool respectively. Interestingly, Cannon’s parent club have also become of great interest in Wilder’s second spell. After signing Harry Souttar, the Blades are reportedly closing in on Foxes midfielder, Hamza Choudhury.

But for now: Who are Cannon and Koumas and why would the Blades want to sign them despite them already being on loan at Stoke?

Tom Cannon

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Cannon has been linked with the Blades since December and it’s clear to see why. The Blades’ top scoring striker, Tyrese Campbell is currently out injured. Whilst, Kieffer Moore and Rhian Brewster are risky given their own injury records. Although, the latter deserves particular credit for his recent long-run in the side without any issues. But all of this does add up to the need for at least one more number nine through the door.

Cannon has become top of the Blades and many other Championship sides’ lists for that very purpose. He has scored nine goals in the Championship in a relatively poor Stoke City side this season. It’s worth noting that as a side Stoke have only scored 24 goals in the division so far. He has also played 22 of the Potters’ 26 league games starting in every game he has played.

One of his most impressive games this season came on 2 October 2024. Cannon bagged an open play hat-trick against Portsmouth as well as his third goal coming from the penalty spot.

Interestingly, of his nine goals in the league this season a third have come from the spot. With Kieffer Moore scoring one out of three penalties this season this could be invaluable for the Blades. In a promotion-chasing season, every penalty is crucial as 2nd and 3rd place can come down to goal difference.

Behind his impressive goalscoring this season are impressive stats. Cannon is above his xG (8.8 goals) and is among the leading strikers for most shots on target (31). With both stats showing how prolific he can be. In addition to scoring penalties, Cannon has also won two penalties for his team.

Overall, what Cannon could offer the Blades is an element of consistency and a clear injury record. Prior to Stoke, he scored 8 goals in 20 Championship games for Preston in 2022/2023. As well as 2 goals in 13 for Leicester last season. Therefore, it can’t be argued he isn’t quality as a Championship striker. Plus, a valuable asset for the second-half of the season, whether he moves or stays at Stoke.

Lewis Koumas

Lewis Koumas challenges Alfie Gilchrist at Bramall Lane earlier this season. (Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images)

Koumas, 19, is enjoying his first career loan at Stoke from Liverpool this season. He plays primarily on the left wing. But can also play left midfield, right midfield, central attacking midfield, right winger, and striker. He has appeared 25 times for Stoke, starting 19 of those games. He currently has 3 Championship goals and an assist for the Potters.

Koumas’ attacking stats are strong. This season he has taken 35 shots and found the target with 11 of them. His 3 goals in the league falls just below his xG (4.1) which for a young player is fairly accurate. He is also decent defensively, making eight interceptions, 12 blocks, and 49 recoveries. Plus, he has won possession in the final third on 15 occasions this season.

Where he could improve is his passing stats. His successful passes (162) across the season are low compared to others in his position in the Championship. Despite this, his pass accuracy is okay at 75.7% but it could also be improved compared to others. He has only completed three successful crosses this season and his cross accuracy is low at (13%). Although, as he is only 19, his passing will improve. Plus joining a promotion-pushing side like United with more possession, his stats may naturally improve quickly.

Fun facts about Koumas include that he is the son of former Wales international, Jason Koumas. Jason was heavily linked with the Blades during Warnock’s time at Bramall Lane. Additionally, Lewis has so far played just once for Liverpool. His debut on 28 February 2024 vs. Southampton in the FA Cup fifth round saw Koumas get his first Liverpool goal. A feat he would repeat in his first league start for Stoke scoring against West Brom.

Ultimately, if the Blades can tempt Liverpool to swap his temporary home from the Bet 365 to Bramall Lane. Koumas could provide cover for the injured Rak-Sakyi from a wide perspective and give Andre Brooks the chance to rest. Plus, give the Blades another option up front.

Takeaways

Both Koumas and Cannon could be good signings as both have been impressive, relative to their Championship experience. With Cannon having his most prolific Championship season to date and Koumas taking to professional football with ease.

The biggest difficulty from a Koumas perspective is the loan deal. With Brereton-Diaz and Choudhury reportedly both loan deals, the slots available to United are disappearing quickly.

Whilst, for Cannon, his price tag may be the deal breaker. Leicester seemingly want to sell Cannon if they are to recall him from Stoke. Not to mention the competition from various other Championship clubs reportedly chasing him.

Finally, a further complication is the new Stoke City manager, Mark Robins. Robins has proven to be a good Championship manager capable of getting the best out of forwards like Viktor Gyokeres. It is possible Liverpool and Leicester may keep their players at Stoke to see what Robins can do with them.