Stoke City is gearing up for a significant summer of restructuring, focusing on clearing out the squad and making astute transfer decisions to strengthen their push in the Championship. As Steven Schumacher steps into his first summer as the Potters’ manager, he has already ventured into the transfer market, securing standout goalkeeper Viktor Johansson from Rotherham United and seasoned centre-back Ben Gibson from Norwich City.
On May 21, Stoke City revealed their complete retained list, announcing the departures of Tyrese Campbell, Ciaran Clark, Wesley, Tom Edwards, Tom Sparrow, and D’Margio Wright-Phillips, as their contracts have expired. This signals a fresh start and a strategy aimed at revitalizing the squad.
Changes are also happening behind the scenes. Lee Darnbrough has been appointed as the club’s new head of recruitment after leaving a similar role at Hull City, where he spent seven years. His arrival is expected to bring a new perspective to the club’s recruitment strategy.
Schumacher can be pleased with the current mix of youth and experience in the squad. However, the summer will likely see further player movements, both in terms of arrivals and departures. With this in mind, Football League World provides the latest updates on transfer activities in the Potteries, keeping an eye on the evolving squad dynamics.
Eric Junior Bocat is set to join Stoke
According to reports from TeamTalk and StokeOnTrentLive, Stoke City is on the verge of signing Sint-Truiden defender Eric Junior Bocat. The French player, who previously played for Lille and Mouscron before joining STVV in 2022, had been linked with a move to Leicester City earlier this summer. However, it now appears that he is set to join the Potters.
TeamTalk has indicated that the 24-year-old Bocat is currently in discussions with Stoke City and has visited the club’s training ground this week to finalize the deal. Primarily a left-wing-back, Bocat is expected to be utilized as a left-back in Steven Schumacher’s system. His arrival will provide competition for the 33-year-old Enda Stevens, who recently extended his contract by one year after an injury-plagued 2023/24 season.
| Eric Junior Bocat 2023/24 Sint-Truiden statistics | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 29 |
| Starts | 28 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Tackles per 90 | 1.40 |
| Interceptions per 90 | 1.88 |
| Blocks per 90 | 1.14 |
| Progressive carries per 90 | 3.75 |
| Successful take-ons per 90 | 1.69 |
| Stats as per FBref, league only | |