Walsall have completed the signing of midfielder Antony Evans on a season-long loan from Huddersfield Town. The 27-year-old becomes the club's 15th addition of a busy summer transfer window, as reported by the BBC this week.
Lee Grant, the Walsall manager who previously coached Evans at Huddersfield, secured the deal for the experienced player. Evans arrives at the Bescot Stadium with Walsall sitting second in the early League Two table, having taken seven points from their first three matches with a WDW record, scoring six goals and conceding just two.
Who is Antony Evans?
Antony Evans is a 27-year-old midfielder born in Liverpool. His professional journey began at Everton, where he joined the academy at age nine and signed his first pro contract in October 2015. He made his senior debut for the Toffees in the 2016/17 season before gaining valuable experience out on loan.
His first loan spell came at Morecambe in January 2017, where he made 14 appearances and scored in consecutive games. A move to Blackpool in 2019 yielded 12 League One appearances. Evans then tested himself abroad, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal with German side SC Paderborn 07. He also had a loan stint at Crewe Alexandra in January 2019, featuring 14 times.
What does he bring to the squad?
Evans brings a proven track record of creativity and goal contributions from midfield. After leaving Paderborn, he signed with Bristol Rovers and enjoyed an excellent first season, scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists. That form earned him a new three-year deal in June 2022.
He was a consistent performer over the next two campaigns. Evans made 51 appearances in the 2022/23 season, scoring five goals and adding three assists, with 43 of those games coming in League One. He followed that with 52 appearances in 2023/24, netting six goals and providing three assists across all competitions. His performances that season were recognised with Bristol Rovers' Player of the Year award.
His move to Huddersfield Town in July 2024 for an undisclosed fee saw him make an immediate impact, scoring on his debut in a 2-0 win over Peterborough United. He went on to make 36 appearances in all competitions for the Terriers before this loan move.
Where does he fit in Walsall's plans?
Lee Grant knows Evans well from their time together at Huddersfield. "Speaking via the club's official website, Lee said: 'He's a player I know well and he adds quality and experience to our group,'" the manager stated. Evans' versatility and ability to contribute goals from midfield will be a significant asset for a Walsall side looking to maintain their strong early-season form.
With Walsall currently second in the standings and boasting a +4 goal difference, Evans adds depth and competition in the engine room. Fans can see how he integrates into the team by checking the updated squad list. His arrival follows a summer of major squad overhaul, and his experience in higher divisions could be important for the promotion push.
What is the current team context?
The Saddlers have started the season strongly, and Evans joins a confident group. The team's early defensive solidity, conceding only two goals, provides a stable platform for creative players like Evans to influence games. Supporters can track the team's progress in the standings as the season develops.
Antony Evans will wear the number 24 shirt for Walsall during his season-long loan from Huddersfield Town.
