Sam Gallagher made an impactful move during the busy summer transfer window, bidding farewell to Blackburn Rovers after a solid five-year stint. The seasoned center-forward secured a deal with Stoke City in the Championship, with reports suggesting the transfer could amount to a hefty £1.6 million over three years, binding him to the club until 2026/27.

However, Gallagher’s transition to Stoke hasn’t been smooth sailing. Struggling with injuries at Blackburn, his streak continues in his new setting. Following his debut in a pre-season friendly against AZ Alkmaar, Gallagher was sidelined only thirty minutes in due to a calf injury. Consequently, he has yet to feature competitively for Stoke this season, raising doubts about his future role within the squad.

The situation was further complicated when Stoke bolstered their attacking options with the loan signing of Tom Cannon from Leicester City on the transfer deadline day. Cannon’s arrival, a coveted talent in the Championship, emphasizes the competition Gallagher may face for a starting spot. With rivals such as Sheffield United, Sunderland, and Norwich City previously eyeing Cannon, the pressure is on Gallagher to prove his worth once he overcomes his injury setback.

Opportunity beckons for Cannon to secure a place in the Stoke starting lineup post-September international break, while Gallagher’s return from injury may take longer. Cannon, a key figure in Leicester’s promotion, showcased his abilities even earlier.

During a loan stint at Preston North End in early 2022/23 from Everton, Cannon impressed with eight goals in 20 league matches, sparking interest in his services. If he maintains his form, Schumacher may find it tough to overlook him.

Stoke’s current 4-2-3-1 setup suggests Cannon could emerge as the lead striker, leaving fewer chances for Gallagher to feature. The pressure mounts on Gallagher to seize his opportunities, given his struggle for match fitness and goal scoring consistency.

Within a month at Stoke City, Gallagher already faces scrutiny as he works towards full fitness and form in his new environment.