Stoke City had an active summer transfer window, bringing in 10 new players to strengthen their squad. Among those arrivals, one loan signing has emerged as a standout, and the Potters are undoubtedly glad to have been selected over other clubs for his development. Over the years, Stoke has shown a knack for leveraging the loan market effectively, and this summer was no different, especially following the appointment of Lee Darnborough as head of recruitment in June. Known for his savvy domestic loan dealings during his time at Hull City, Darnborough has continued that trend at Stoke.
This season, players like Lewis Koumas from Liverpool and Tom Cannon from Leicester City have joined to enhance Stoke’s attacking options, and both seem to be settling in well. However, it is Andrew Moran, the Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder, who has captured the most attention so far. Moran has outshined his loan peers with his performances, making him a key figure in the Potters’ campaign. His prior experience in the Championship, having impressed at Blackburn Rovers last season with four goals and nine assists in 41 appearances, has made him well-equipped for the demands of this league.
Moran’s decision to join Stoke for the 2024/25 season, following the signing of a long-term deal with Brighton, appears to be paying off for both the player and the club. His form has flourished under new head coach Narcis Pelach, and Stoke will be eager to see him maintain this momentum as they push for success in the months ahead. At just 21, Moran’s continued development will be crucial for Stoke’s hopes this season.
Andrew Moran has been a key player for Stoke so far
Andrew Moran had little time to adjust to his new surroundings at Stoke City before being thrown into action. With just a day to settle in, he made his debut under Steven Schumacher in a Championship match against Watford on August 17, followed by another substitute appearance a week later against West Brom. Unfortunately for Stoke, they lost both games.
The Republic of Ireland under-21 international then made his first start of the season in the EFL Cup against Middlesbrough. In that match, he played a crucial role in Stoke’s dominant 5-0 win at the Riverside, delivering three assists in 70 minutes and giving fans their first real glimpse of his talents.
Moran’s first Championship start came in a key 1-0 win over Plymouth Argyle, but surprisingly, he was left out of the starting lineup for the next three matches as Schumacher was replaced by Spanish coach Narcis Pelach. It didn’t take long, however, for Pelach to recognize Moran’s influence, and the midfielder was handed a starting role alongside Wouter Burger against Portsmouth. Moran made an immediate impact, scoring a goal and providing an assist in a 6-1 rout at the bet365 Stadium.
Since then, Pelach has continued to trust Moran in a box-to-box role, often partnering him with Burger or Jordan Thompson. This consistency has coincided with Stoke’s unbeaten run over Moran’s last four starts. In his latest appearance, he scored his second goal of the season against Bristol City, slipping the ball past his fellow Irishman Max O’Leary to put Stoke 2-0 up. Despite the team’s overall struggles as Bristol nearly mounted a comeback, Moran stood out as one of Pelach’s better performers.
With injuries affecting Stoke’s midfield, Moran has become one of the first names on Pelach’s team sheet in recent weeks. As Stoke heads into a demanding winter schedule, the 21-year-old looks set to play a pivotal role in the team’s fortunes moving forward.
Stoke finally got Moran ahead of some tough competition
Stoke City’s interest in Andrew Moran was not a new development this summer. TeamTalk had previously reported that they were leading contenders to secure his loan for the 2023/24 season, despite competition from Blackburn Rovers. However, Blackburn seemed to gain the upper hand, and Moran ended up joining the Ewood Park club in the final week of the transfer window.
During his loan spell at Blackburn, Moran made a strong impression, especially in the first four months. However, his form waned in the latter half of the season, so it wasn’t surprising that Brighton were willing to allow him to go out on loan again this summer. There was considerable interest in the midfielder, with The Athletic noting in early August that multiple Championship clubs were vying for his signature.
Reports indicated that Stoke and recent rivals Bristol City were leading the chase for Moran, and in mid-August, Stoke successfully acquired the coveted attacking midfielder after he signed a new long-term contract with his parent club, Brighton.
Stoke must be pleased to have persuaded the Seagulls that the bet365 Stadium was the ideal environment for Moran’s continued development. So far, it appears to be a wise decision for Fabian Hurzeler’s side, as the 21-year-old is settling in well in the Potteries and is likely on the verge of receiving a second senior international call-up soon.