Jordy Hiwula has returned to his parent club Manchester City after a successful loan spell with League 1 Walsall.
Struggling Walsall signed Hiwula on an initial one month loan on deadline day in February. Walsall’s key striker Tom Bradshaw was struggling with a constant hamstring problem which left the Midland side with only one striker every couple of weeks.
Walsall manager Dean Smith stated that he was looking for a striker that would fit into the team well and would get the team goals which would help fight against relegation. The men in red were mid-table at the time and were just as close to the top 6 as they were to the drop-zone.
Hiwula made his debut for the Saddlers away to Doncaster, 6 days after his transfer. The Man City reserve player was placed on the bench with unfamiliar striker Ashley Grimes starting up front as the lone striker. Jordy came on in the 66th minute which saw Walsall leading 0-1. The score was soon 0-2 in the 70th minute as the new striker Hiwula score 4 minutes into his debut.
Hiwula started up front in the next game at home to Rochdale, which saw Walsall go 3-0 up inside 22 minutes. Hiwula scored his second goal in 2 games in the 22nd minute which helped Walsall secure a 3-2 victory and move closer to the play-offs.
One of Jordy’s most important goals came away from home to Bradford. Walsall were 1-0 down to their play-off rivals coming into the last 15 minutes of the game. A well worked cross saw Hiwula equalise with a thumping header to earn a memorable draw against one of the toughest teams in the division.
One huge benefit of this loan for Hiwula was he managed to play some time on the Wembley pitch. The Midland side reached Wembley for the first time and in their 127 year history. Walsall were sadly defeated 2-0 on the day but the Manchester City loanee managed to play a solid 30 minutes.
The English front-man managed to play 19 games for the Saddlers and hit the back of the net an impressive 9 times.
The question is what’s next for Hiwula. He has been heavily linked with another loan move back to Walsall for next season. However, recent reports suggest that he could stay with City to help continue his development.
Nevertheless, whatever happens Jordy Hiwula has been a great servant to Walsall and we wish him well for the future.
