The left-back and Stoke City are in talks about the left-back sticking put for the upcoming campaign. This past season, Steven Schumacher’s team ended six points above the drop zone in 17th position.After leaving Sheffield United last summer, Stevens, 33, moved to Staffordshire on a one-year contract. Since then, he has made 21 appearances in all competitions.
On their website, the Potters have stated that they are in “discussions” with him regarding staying. After their loans expire, Daniel Iversen, Ki-Jana Hoever, Luke McNally, Luke Cundle, and Sead Hakšabanović will return to their parent clubs, leaving Tyrese Campbell, Ciaran Clark, and Wesley at the Bet365 Stadium.
Conversely, goalkeeper Frank Fielding and midfielder Jordan Thompson have activated their one-year options.
Stevens adds experience to Stoke City’s roster, so it would be wise to retain him for at least another season. In his career, he has participated in more than 500 games.
He would offer fierce competition and depth at the back, even though Schumacher might not guarantee him a regular starting position in the upcoming campaign.
After stints at UCD, Shamrock Rovers, and St Patrick’s Athletic, the Republic of Ireland international, who has earned 26 caps for his nation, came to England as a young player in 2012 to join Aston Villa.
In order to further his development, he spent loan stints with Notts County, Doncaster Rovers, and Northampton Town in the Football League after making nine appearances for the main team at Villa Park in his early career.
He was permanently signed by Portsmouth in 2015, and he played for the Blues for two years at Fratton Park before Sheffield United called.
Stevens was a wonderful asset to the Blades, appearing in 202 games for them overall. Under Chris Wilder and later Paul Heckingbottom, he helped the team earn promotion to the Premier League twice.
Will Stevens remain at Stoke City?
Stevens had a respectable background coming into Stoke City last year, having assisted Sheffield United in their ascent.
Even as late as 2021, he was competing in the top division. He won’t be ready to hang up his boots just yet and will believe he has a few more years in him.
Under Schumacher’s direction, the Potters need players with such experience in their ranks as they get ready for a full season. He left Plymouth Argyle to succeed Alex Neil, and he kept them in the league.