Grimsby Town are bracing for bids from the Championship for their striking sensation Jaze Kabia, with Stoke City firmly interested in the Irish forward.
According to reports from Alan Nixon, the Potters are looking out for ‘bargains’ in the transfer market as they look to progress up the Championship table under Mark Robins, who has now recognised Kabia as a potential signing for the Staffordshire outfit.
The forward made his debut in the EFL this season, making the step up from the National League South. Returning 24 goals in all competitions, the Irishman was pivotal in Grimsby Town’s League Two play-off finish.
Transfer Battle For Jaze Kabia
While Stoke City’s interest is absolute, they are sure to face competition in the transfer market. Reports from Pete O’Rourke surfaced last month, declaring Plymouth Argyle also have Kabia on their radar.
The striker has previously played on the South Coast with Truro City, while the Pilgrims could require a striker, with Lorent Tolaj potentially subject to interest this window.
Reports state that Stoke were looking at Kabia during the promotion play-offs, where the 25-year-old scored to send the tie into extra time, where the Mariners were dramatically eliminated by Salford City.
While it is said that Stoke view Kabia as a potential bargain, Grimsby would be able to command a hefty fee. Having signed the player on a two-year deal last summer, the club also maintain an option to extend the striker’s deal by an extra year.
Jaze Kabia’s Breakthrough Season For Grimsby Town
The Irishman made a stunning debut season for the Mariners, returning 24 goals in all competitions for the North East Lincolnshire club.
He possesses all the necessary assets of a natural goalscorer. Relatively tall, with a quick turn of pace and instinct in the box. He did appear isolated in parts of the season, and was hugely aided by the January arrival of Andy Cook as he went through a major dry spell between October and December.
Kabia’s instinctive nature shows through his goal compilation. Converting from set pieces, late runs behind the defence, and poached finishes in the six-yard box.
With his career coming up stride after stride, he is hot property in this summer window, and it is no surprise to see clubs registering their interest so early in the transfer window.
How Much Of A Loss Would Jaze Kabia Be For Grimsby Town?
Natural goal scorers are difficult to come by for any football club, and replacing them is even more difficult. But if the Mariners are to lose Kabia, there is credit to be had.
Any outgoing for Kabia would be testament to the recruitment at Grimsby Town, as under David Artell, the club has shown to be a fantastic place for players to progress their careers.
The likes of Géza Dávid Turi, Reece Staunton, and Kieran Green have developed exponentially under the former Crewe Alexandra manager. If they are to collect any kind of fee for Kabia, then their recruitment partnership with Jamestown Analytics will serve its purpose.
He would undoubtedly leave a huge hole in the Mariners’ squad, but fans would also hold confidence in their recruitment team and manager in the transfer market.
