Stoke chose Ben Gibson over Jake Clarke-Salter

12/07/2024 Raymond 0

The Telegraph’s Midlands football reporter John Percy highlighted in May that Stoke had identified Jake Clarke-Salter as their top target for the summer transfer window, especially with Ben Wilmot and Michael Rose as their only senior centre-back options under contract at the time. Percy indicated that Clarke-Salter’s price tag was expected to range between £5-7 million, with interest also coming from several Premier League clubs.

Stoke City: Capitalising on Norwich City call looks smarter after QPR, Wolves fee talk – View

12/07/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City have already made a significant transfer decision this summer as they aim to climb the Championship table next season under Steven Schumacher. The Potters have signed standout goalkeeper Viktor Johansson and dynamic wing-back Eric Junior Bocat from Rotherham United and Sint-Truiden, respectively. This is just the beginning of what is expected to be a busy transfer market period for Schumacher as he shapes his squad for the 2024/25 campaign.

Barcelona precedent set for Rangers ahead of Hampden Park switch

12/07/2024 Raymond 0

Rangers will play their home matches at Hampden Park at the start of the new season as Ibrox undergoes renovations, a temporary move that has significant implications for the Gers’ European campaign. If UEFA agrees in advance, Rangers could play their Champions League or Europa League qualifiers at Hampden in August and then switch to Ibrox for the group stage in September. However, regulations prohibit switching between Hampden and Ibrox during the group stage.

Barcelona faces a similar challenge, as the Spanish club plans to move back to the Spotify Camp Nou in December after renovations. However, UEFA rules require them to finish the Champions League group stage at the Olympic Stadium, regardless of Camp Nou’s readiness. This situation illustrates the complexity of UEFA’s regulations, which Rangers must navigate. Rangers Chairman John Bennett acknowledged the uncertainty this causes, apologizing to season ticket holders, hospitality clients, partners, and supporters.