Stoke City striker Nathan Lowe is attracting significant attention ahead of the 2025/26 season, with Stockport County and Luton Town joining Huddersfield Town in the race to secure the highly rated 19-year-old on a season-long loan.
Lowe enjoyed a breakout campaign during the first half of the 2024/25 season while on loan at Walsall in League Two. The young striker scored an impressive 18 goals in 30 appearances, quickly becoming one of the most prolific and talked-about forwards in the EFL. His outstanding performances earned him a nomination for the League Two PFA Players’ Player of the Season — a rare accolade for a teenager.
However, Stoke City opted to recall Lowe in January 2025 as they looked to bolster their attacking options in the Championship. While he featured in 10 matches for the Potters, he managed just one goal and struggled to recapture the sparkling form he displayed at Walsall, largely due to inconsistent minutes and the demands of second-tier football. Nevertheless, it was a great bit of experience for a player at such a young age.
His mid-season departure proved a major blow to Walsall, whose promotion campaign quickly unraveled. Once sitting comfortably at the top of League Two, the Saddlers suffered a dramatic dip in form without Lowe’s goals and presence up front. They ultimately missed out on automatic promotion and endured more heartbreak in the Play-Offs, losing to Wimbledon in the final. Lowe’s influence was so significant that many pinpointed his exit as the key turning point in their season.
With Stoke keen to ensure the talented youngster gains regular first-team football, a second loan move is expected this summer. Huddersfield Town have been long-time admirers and are pushing hard to bring Lowe to the John Smith’s Stadium. The Terriers see him as a crucial piece in their efforts to return to the Championship.
But they now face strong competition. Luton Town, relegated from the Championship last season, are targeting an immediate return and believe Lowe’s pace, power, and goal-scoring instinct can help spark a revival at Kenilworth Road. Similarly, Stockport County are also in the hunt. After falling short in the League One Play-Off Semi-Finals at the hands of Leyton Orient, the Hatters are aiming to go one better this time around. Lowe is a natural finisher who could tip the balance in tight games for any club, next season.
Both clubs can offer Lowe regular starts, a platform to showcase his talent, and the opportunity to play a central role in promotion-chasing sides. With interest intensifying, Stoke must now weigh their options carefully to choose the best development path for one of their brightest prospects.
Wherever Nathan Lowe lands, one thing is clear: he isn’t be short of suitors.
