'Next level' – Key Stoke City figure wants Premier League loanee 'for the next five years'

11/20/2024 04:15 AM

Stoke City sporting director Jon Walters has issued high praise for Andy Moran after his impressive start to life on loan from Brighton.

Stoke City used the loan market well in the summer transfer window, bringing in young prospects from Premier League clubs to bolster their ranks for the 2024/25 campaign.

Tom Cannon was perhaps the most high-profile addition given the significant interest he attracted from other clubs. Ashley Phillips has impressed in defence and Lewis Koumas has made some exciting contributions out wide.

In midfield though, Andy Moran has gone about his work impressively in his second Championship loan. After a stay with Blackburn Rovers last season, the Brighton youngster looks to have locked down a place in the team under Narcis Pelach.

His performances have drawn high praise, and the latest to laud the 21-year-old midfielder has been sporting director Jon Walters.

Speaking to Stoke on Trent Live, the key Stoke City figure was speaking about his desire to add players with international experience to the ranks when he spoke highly of Moran, posing the hopeful question of keeping him ‘for the next five years’. He said:

“One thing I want to bring, would like to bring into the squad, is international players,”Stoke City director said.

“There is a next level mentality, an elite mentality, when players come back having performed on the big stage. That was a big thing for me as a player.

“Viktor’s become number one for Sweden and is doing really well, I saw a stat that Junho has had more goal contributions than any other player in South Korea’s last five games. Andy, who we’ve borrowed from Brighton – and can we have him for the next five years please! – he’s next level. He’s going to be top level.”

Kicking on with the Potters

Moran’s loan with Blackburn Rovers was a fruitful one, operating mainly in attacking midfield but also out on the left-hand side.

His versatility was on show at Ewood Park and it is again with Stoke City. He’s played in a range of midfield roles for Pelach but is at his creative best when given the freedom to venture further forward.

Brighton will be pleased to see the game time Moran is getting. It’s going to be key for his development and should gave them well-placed to keep him for the full season given the slim chance of senior chances back at the AMEX Stadium.

There’s a clear pathway for youngsters back at his parent club, of course, but the midfield is well-stocked, hence the decision to loan him out.

A feasible permanent signing?

Having someone like Moran permanently would be big for Stoke City. He’s a player with an exciting future and he’ll only get better with time.

For that reason, someone like Brighton might want to keep him. They pride themselves and developing young players and blooding them into the first-team fold, so they might not let go of him easily.

However, the earlier mentioned depth in their midfield department means there is perhaps scope for Moran to move on for good. Whether the Potters would be able to afford a deal, that remains to be seen, but a strong loan could put them in a good place to strike if the opportunity arises.

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