Kyle Hudlin is far from your average striker. Standing at an imposing 6ft 9in — he's even taller than former Premier League forward Peter Crouch . The formidable striker has had quite the journey through the lower leagues of English football and is still striving to make a significant leap in his career, despite reports from The Athletic previously suggesting in August 2021 the striker had caught the attention of Manchester City. Born in Birmingham , Hudlin came through the youth set-up of Midland Football League side Castle Vale Town before heading to Sutton Coldfield-based team Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons. His rise was rapid from there, with a significant breakthrough in his youth career coming in 2020 when he secured a move to Solihull Moors at the age of 20. During his 62 appearances for the non-league side, Hudlin showcased not only his aerial ability and hold-up play but also his potential to thrive in professional football. So much so that Manchester City quickly became interested, conducting due diligence through video scouting before travelling to Birmingham to watch him in person during a pre-season friendly with Notts County in 2021. Championship clubs Middlesbrough and Cardiff City also expressed interest and had scouts in attendance. Hudlin impressed during a 20-minute cameo in the 2-2 draw, and City even had plans to sign a homegrown striker to send out on loan and develop. Despite the interest, the Premier League champions ultimately opted against taking a punt. Although a dream move to Manchester did not materialise, Hudlin secured a transfer to Championship side Huddersfield Town in 2022, signing an initial two-year deal. He made ten appearances before being loaned out to League Two team AFC Wimbledon, where he gained valuable first-team experience. His time at Wimbledon was marked by his first professional goal, a personal achievement that came in an EFL Trophy match against Crawley Town under the guidance of manager Johnnie Jackson. Hudlin’s strengths in both boxes — from set-piece defending to being a constant threat in the opposition area — became clear. "I’m really pleased for him," the Dons manager said at the time. "He’s a threat at both ends of the pitch. He’s fighting for the team and the cause, and that’s all we can ask of him. Hudlin's ability to provide something different to the team with his physicality and presence was starting to show." However, his journey in League Two was brief as he moved up to the division above, joining Burton Albion in January 2024. After only five months, Hudlin returned to the John Smith's Stadium and ultimately transferred to Rodney Parade to join Newport County, where he has remained since last summer after signing a contract extension with Huddersfield until 2026. Exiles boss Nelson Jardim was impressed by the threatening striker from day one. "I knew he was a good player, I didn’t know he was that good, so I’m impressed," the Portuguese manager admitted. "I see his play as a whole, and he's such a nice person to have around. "He's a fighter, good with his teammates, and on the pitch, he’s been great. I'm impressed with him, but we’ve got a good group of players that can only get better. He offers a different style of football, and we needed someone like him in the area. He is ideal for a team that plays constantly in the opposition’s half when he can operate in the box." After securing an extension to his loan at Newport until the summer, Hudlin's impressive performances were recently interrupted by an injury setback. He suffered a calf injury in February and is expected to be out for up to two months, with hopes of returning before the season concludes. While a move to one of the Premier League's top clubs remains a distant prospect, Hudlin’s performances in League Two have firmly established him as a strong contender for a major transfer. However, the 25-year-old doesn’t want to be recognised solely for his physical presence. "I am not just a big man. I am tidy with my feet," he said in October. "But I feel the game is more advanced now. I’ve come into a game where you have to be a complete forward, able to do both sides of the game, and I really try to work on every aspect of it." If Hudlin can sustain his progress and refine his technical abilities, he may eventually make the jump to a higher level, realising the potential many have long recognised in him. From his humble roots in non-league football to establishing himself in the EFL, Hudlin’s journey is a testament to determination, resilience, and raw potential. Though his path has been filled with obstacles, including injuries, there’s no denying that Hudlin has the talent and attributes to keep rising in English football.