Before this weekend’s FA Cup third-round matchup with Sunderland, Stoke City has brought up Lewis Baker from his loan at Blackburn Rovers, and Jonathan Walters has explained why.
The midfielder has played 13 games in blue and white during the first half of the season, but he only started seven of them.
The 29-year-old’s final game for Rovers, who are now in seventh place, just outside the play-off spots, was a 1-0 home loss to local rivals Burnley on Saturday. At the Stadium of Light, he will be available for selection against the Black Cats now that he has returned to his parent club, Stoke.
Walters reveals reason behind Baker’s return
On New Year’s Day, Mark Robins became the Potters’ new manager. He has already begun planning his team in an effort to steer the team away from relegation in the upcoming months.
This also applies to players who are currently signed, and he has determined that Baker has the potential to improve Stoke’s season.
Sporting Director Walters gave an explanation of the former Leeds United player’s return to the bet365 Stadium in an interview with the club’s website.
He stated: “It was evident from our conversations with Mark that he thinks Lewis can contribute significantly to our team as we aim to bolster it for the second half of the season.
“With nearly 300 matches under his belt, Lewis will bring vital experience to the team, and our supporters will be well aware of his technical prowess.
“Having started each of Blackburn’s four fixtures over the festive period, he returns ready to make an immediate impact,” Walters said.
Baker will feel like a new signing for Stoke
Blackburn and John Eustace will be extremely upset about Baker’s departure, particularly as he has emerged as a vital member in recent weeks, but Stoke will see it as if a new player has arrived.
Despite his inconsistent season with Rovers, his run of games throughout the holiday season demonstrated how much his now-former management valued him and his skills.
| Lewis Baker’s Blackburn Rovers/Stoke City stats 2024/25 (FotMob)* |
| Appearances (Starts) |
15 (7) |
| Minutes Played |
617 |
| Goals (Assists) |
2 (0) |
| xG |
1.04 |
| Shots (On Target) |
14 (4) |
| Pass Accuracy |
82.9% |
| Chances Created |
6 |
| Tackle Success |
30.8% |
| Duel Success |
52.5% |
| *Stats correct as of 08/01/2025 |
His goal for the Potters against Coventry on the first day of the season has led Robins to identify him as someone Stoke needs to help turn their season around.
In the FA Cup on Saturday, Baker might play against Sunderland. His team is trying to move up out of the bottom half of the Championship standings, and he might be a significant player.
