Stoke City star must be the answer to Leyton Orient’s problems this summer, League One clubs will be keen

Finding a good striker is frequently the top priority for many clubs in the transfer market, and we can expect to see a lot of League One clubs trying to sign one of Stoke City’s starlets this summer. Prolific strikers are a prized commodity in this game, regardless of their level of play. Goals win football matches, plain and simple, and many clubs will be looking for goal scorers in the coming months. We’ve already made our predictions for the League One 2025/26 season, and we expect Leyton Orient to fall far short of the lofty heights they attained this season in the play-offs.

However, Richie Wellens might make one addition during the summer transfer window that would immediately give his team a boost.

Nathan Lowe will be a wanted man for League One clubs, Leyton Orient have to pounce

After losing to Charlton Athletic in the League One play-off final, Leyton Orient are expected to lose a number of key players. Of course, the majority of those were loan signings, with Josh Keeley, Jamie Donley, and Charlie Kelman now returning to their respective clubs. Kelman in particular had a fantastic season, scoring 27 goals across all competitions. Replacing that kind of productivity will be a huge challenge, but Wellens must be rubbing his hands together when he sees Nathan Lowe at Stoke City. The youthful striker gained attention during his 2024/25 loan spell with League Two club Walsall, where he scored 18 goals and assisted seven times.

Lowe was recalled in January by Stoke, though, and while he did make ten appearances for the Potters upon his return, he only managed one goal in the Championship and wasn’t really given a consistent run in the team.

Stats	Charlie Kelman	Nathan Lowe
Games	61	40
Minutes	4,407	2,779
Goals	27	19
Assists	6	7

It is widely assumed that the 19-year-old will now be given another chance to establish himself on loan, with a League One move in the works. Leyton Orient would not be the only club interested, however. Wycombe, Stockport, Reading, and Cardiff City are all expected to need a new striker this summer, and they will be lining up to sign the Stoke youngster.

Nathan Lowe’s departure was a disaster for Walsall in 2024/25

Before Lowe left the club in the New Year, Walsall led League Two by up to 14 points. To emphasise Lowe’s importance, Walsall triumphed 5-1 in his farewell game, with Lowe scoring against Tranmere Rovers. Following his departure, the Saddlers won only four of their final 22 league games, finishing in the play-offs rather than securing automatic promotion. They defeated Chesterfield there, but fell to AFC Wimbledon in the final at Wembley.

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk