Stoke City have revamped their squad in Jon Walters and Steven Schumacher’s first summer window in charge
Stoke City had clear targets at the start of the summer transfer window. They aimed to secure a new goalkeeper, a competitive left-back, an experienced center-half, a revamped midfield, and a dynamic forward to lead their attack.
Jon Walters, in his first window as sporting director, has been diligently ticking off these targets, while Steven Schumacher has been busy convincing emerging talents that Stoke is the place to be.
The result? Ten new signings and a streamlined squad, following important late departures to manage a previously oversized roster. This creates a pathway for promising teenagers like Sol Sidibe, Emre Tezgel, and Jaden Dixon to break into the first team.
The squad is now notably younger, with only Ben Gibson, Enda Stevens, and backup goalkeeper Frank Fielding in their 30s. Despite having four loanees, Stoke’s lineup is filled with players in their prime, poised for growth.
Tuesday’s win showcased a free-flowing, fearless performance against a reshuffled Middlesbrough side. Schumacher’s approach is evident, and he will be looking to build on this momentum in the coming weeks.
Stoke City Squad
Goalkeepers: Viktor Johansson, Jack Bonham, Frank Fielding
Right Back: Junior Tchamadeu
Left Backs: Eric Bocat, Enda Stevens
Center Backs: Ben Gibson, Ben Wilmot, Ash Phillips, Michael Rose, Jaden Dixon, Freddie Anderson
Midfielders: Wouter Burger, Andrew Moran, Sol Sidibe, Bosun Lawal, Tatsuki Seko, Jordan Thompson, Ben Pearson
Right Winger: Million Manhoef
Left Wingers: Bae Junho, Lynden Gooch, Andre Vidigal, Lewis Koumas
Forwards: Tom Cannon, Niall Ennis, Ryan Mmaee, Sam Gallagher, Emre Tezgel