Presentations and Nathan Asiimwe advice - the story behind Daniel Kanu's loan transfer to Walsall

Nathan Lowe had netted 18 goals during the first half of the previous campaign and Freddie Draper also scored 10 in the season prior. 

That track record played an instrumental role in leading Kanu to Bescot.

Inspired by previous loan success stories 

"I'd spoken to the gaffer here quite a few times before I had even come to the club," Kanu reflected. 

"The first time I got in contact with him was in early June [2025] and then they were really pressing to get the deal done on the week I arrived.

"I assessed my options and spoke to the manager at Charlton to ask if I can go now. He said, of course, it's your choice, and it has proved a very good decision.

"Another reason why I chose to come here was because Walsall have a rich history with developing young strikers and I'm grateful that I'm on the way to becoming one of those."

The chaotic nature of the transfer window can often mean that a player is approached by a director, or a head of recruitment. 

First meeting with Mat Sadler (and Darren Byfield)

But Mat Sadler and Darren Byfield both met Kanu face-to-face to outline their plans and explain how Kanu would fit into them.

"It was not just the gaffer but Darren Byfield was there too. I knew I was going to be working closely with him which suited me as he was also a striker," he revealed.

"I was able to relate immediately and it really attracted me because they laid out exactly how I would fit into their plans. 

"So it just married up really nicely and it has been a match made in heaven." 

Asking former Walsall loanee Nathan Asiimwe for advice 

Kanu of course did his due diligence and was able to draw on Charlton teammate Nathan Asiimwe for advice. 

Asiimwe had excelled on loan at Walsall towards the back end of the 2024-25 campaign and immediately implored Kanu to seize his opportunity.

"As soon as I mentioned it to Nathan, he immediately told me to go to Walsall," he recalled.

"He didn't even wait for me to mention other teams. He just said, 'you're going to score goals there, you'll improve. End of' 

"I've started listening to him a lot more now [he laughs] because everything he said has turned into reality." 

'The biggest turning point my career so far'

Lowe and Draper saw their loans cut short during the previous two January windows, but Kanu will be staying at Walsall until the end of the season. 

The 21-year-old is eager to continue his goal-laden form and feels his experience with the Saddlers could be the most important turning point in his career when he looks back in years to come.

"I'd say this experience as a whole. I'll look back on it and say this is the biggest turning point," he concluded.

"Like it really is. I know I'm young, but I know I'll look back in five years time and see this season as playing an instrumental role."