Why recalling Levi Amantchi from his Rochdale loan is not an option for Walsall?

The 24-year-old joined Dale on a six-month loan earlier in the summer, as Mat Sadler looked to find him minutes away from the club. 

Amantchi, who netted four times following his January arrival from Bromley, has played just 18 minutes from the bench so far during Rochdale's first two league games. 

Walsall do not have the option to recall Amantchi from his loan, which expires on January 3, 2026. 

Due to it being a six-month loan deal, a player cannot be recalled in the same window that they've been signed. 

The Saddlers are likely to dip back into the market for attacking reinforcements in the wake of Jonny Stuttle's injury on Tuesday night. 

Stuttle had to be replaced towards the end of the first half during the Saddlers' 1-0 home defeat against Grimsby Town, after suffering a suspected knee injury. 

Although the Bournemouth loanee was able to limp off the field of play, Sadler conceded afterwards that he fears the teenager could be out of action for a "significant period". 

That has only increased the urgency for Walsall to bolster the attacking line before the summer transfer window shuts on September 1.  

Jamille Matt, Albert Adomah and Josh Gordon are the alternative centre-forward options, although the trio have only scored a combined four goals since the beginning of February. 

Mason Hancock also had to be stretchered off in the second half after falling awkwardly and was visibly in distress when receiving treatment from the medical staff. 

His impending absence is likely to present a league debut for summer signing Vincent Harper, whose only competitive appearance came in the EFL Cup first round exit against Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium last week.

Analysis: Levi Amantchi is not the solution to Walsall's attacking problem 

Even if Walsall did have the option to bring Amantchi back to Bescot, it would not be the solution to the attacking problems that they currently face. 

The 24-year-old clearly had potential, as illustrated by his 20 goals for Maidstone United in the National League South during the first half of the 2023-24 season. 

Injury and the prolific form of Michael Cheek severely reduced his chances at Bromley and he has been unable to rediscover his groove since joining Walsall last winter. 

Amantchi showcased his quality in glimpses - scoring off the bench in a 3-1 win over Chesterfield and a 2-2 draw at former employers Bromley. 

He also scored in an eventual 3-2 defeat against Port Vale, which proved costly for the Saddlers' promotion bid, before netting a stoppage time winner in the League Two play-off semi-final second leg against Chesterfield. 

But the moments of promise have been few and far between, and the player himself even took to social media to admit that he hadn't performed to the standards that he expects of himself. 

Many hoped that a full pre-season would be just the tonic for him to finally adjust to life in the Football League, but Sadler clearly feels that he's not ready to contribute meaningfully to his attacking line. 

Therefore, it feels a loan move in the division below is exactly what he needs at this stage. If he can hit the goal scoring trail again, then Amantchi will either return to Walsall brimming with confidence, or will increase his transfer value to potential future suitors.