Stoke City Target January Move for 22-Year-Old

Stoke City are gearing up to make another bid for Wolves midfielder Luke Cundle in the January transfer window, reports journalist Alan Nixon.

Stoke City is gearing up to make a renewed attempt to sign Wolves midfielder Luke Cundle in the January transfer window, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

The Potters had their sights set on the 22-year-old during the summer transfer window, but the deal fell through despite progress. Manager Steven Schumacher is eager to revive the pursuit as he continues to shape his squad.

Nixon reveals that Stoke’s recruitment team has already begun planning for January, with Cundle high on their list. Known to Stoke fans from his loan spell last season, Cundle’s versatility and experience—having made 40 Championship appearances with Plymouth Argyle and Stoke—have impressed Schumacher.

After making several signings over the summer, Stoke is now focused on further strengthening their squad in the winter window. Reigniting the Cundle deal underscores the club’s commitment to supporting Schumacher and addressing gaps identified during the summer.

Stoke has had a mixed start to the 2024-25 season, sitting mid-table in the Championship with two wins and two losses from their first four games. While they’ve shown promise, particularly in a 5-0 EFL Cup win over Middlesbrough, consistency remains a challenge in the league.

Who is Luke Cundle?

Cundle began his career at Warrington Town before moving to Burnley’s academy and then Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2014. He made his first-team debut for Wolves in a 2018 EFL Cup victory and later appeared in the Premier League.

Cundle’s Premier League debut came in 2022 against Southampton, followed by his first league start against Tottenham Hotspur. A productive loan spell at Swansea City in 2022-23 saw him make 34 appearances and score twice. He continued his development with loans to Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City, where he scored a crucial goal in a 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday.

Writer’s View

Though Cundle remains at Wolves following the summer window, his limited game time could make him open to another move. With significant changes in Stoke’s midfield, adding a player with Cundle’s Championship experience could be vital for their promotion push. If Stoke secures Cundle, he could play a key role in their bid for success in the second half of the season.