English Football League (EFL) Championship side Stoke City FC has expressed strong interest in signing Ugandan youngster Nathan Asiimwe on a loan deal from English League One side Charlton Athletic, The Nerve Africa sources have exclusively learned.
The defender, whose versatility allows him to play across the entire backline, has apparently drawn massive admiration from Stoke City manager Steve Schumacher after his impressive performances in the 2023/24 campaign.
A source at Asiimwe’s agency, World in Motion, confirmed the interest, indicating that the two clubs have opened talks during the week.
“Steve (Schumacher) is a fan of Nathan’s adaptation and versatility and wants him at Stoke on loan. A permanent deal is not possible at the moment, as Charlton considers him a big part of their future.”
The source also revealed that Stoke City would cover part of the player’s salary should the ongoing talks yield positive results. The 19-year-old is keen on the move as playing in England’s second-tier football league would represent a significant career leap.
Meanwhile, Asiimwe has been with Charlton Athletic since 2017, joining the club as a 12-year-old. His League One debut with the club came in May last year in the final game of the 2022/23 season in a 2-2 draw with Cheltenham Town. Last campaign (2023/24), he played 23 games in the league, EFL Cup, and the FA Cup.
Two weeks later, the young defender, whose TransferMarket valuation is estimated at €125,000, signed his first professional contract. The contract was later renewed and improved in December 2023, tying him down for four years.
Asiimwe has yet to play for the Uganda National Senior team, the Cranes, despite receiving a summons last year for the international friendly matches against Comoros and Ghana.
