The summer transfer window officially opens today, and Stoke City has already secured two signings. Stoke brought in Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson and free agent center-back Ben Gibson, formerly of Norwich. Additionally, they extended contracts for backup goalkeeper Frank Fielding and left-back Enda Stevens.
Unlike the summer of 2023, this year’s transfer activity is expected to feature fewer deals, with most incoming players being more familiar names rather than emerging talents from countries like Serbia, South Korea, Portugal, Hungary, and Switzerland. While there might be room for a couple of surprises, the focus is on due diligence, with sporting director Jon Walters frequently attending games to assess potential recruits. Manager Steven Schumacher has also clearly defined his requirements.
Significant changes have occurred in Stoke’s transfer department, with head of recruitment Jared Dublin departing after less than a year. Lee Darnbrough has been appointed to replace him, marking a crucial transition. Darnbrough, who previously worked at Hull City, brings extensive experience and will collaborate with the existing recruitment team, including trusted figures like Mama Sidibe and Scott Coomber, along with Walters and Schumacher.
Stoke’s roster has seen notable departures and retentions. Tyrese Campbell, after eight years at the club, has left, receiving a standing ovation in his final game. A one-year option was exercised on Jordan Thompson’s contract, ensuring his stay, while Frank Fielding remains as the third-choice keeper. Veteran left-back Enda Stevens has also signed on for another year. Meanwhile, center-back Ciaran Clark and striker Wesley, along with several younger players, have been released. New contracts have been offered to promising center-backs Matthew Baker and David Okagbue, both recently returned from League Two loans, and playmaker Jack Griffiths is also in talks for a new deal. Additionally, first professional contracts are on the table for several under-18 players, with New Zealand youth striker Adam Watson extending his scholarship.
Viktor Johansson joins Stoke as the new first-choice goalkeeper on a three-year deal, triggered by a relegation release clause from Rotherham. The 25-year-old Swedish international, known for his bravery and shot-stopping ability, expressed his readiness to contribute robustly to the team. Meanwhile, Ben Gibson, a 31-year-old center-back known for his leadership, becomes Stoke’s second summer signing. Gibson, who made 37 appearances for Norwich last season, brings valuable experience and resilience to the squad.
In recruitment, Lee Darnbrough steps in as head of recruitment, replacing Jared Dublin. Darnbrough, who has a distinguished background in analysis and recruitment at clubs like West Brom, Burnley, and Norwich, is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge and strategic acumen to Stoke’s transfer dealings. His appointment is seen as pivotal in navigating the summer window effectively.
Stoke’s primary focus now shifts to finding a main striker, following Tyrese Campbell’s release. Young forwards Emre Tezgel and Nathan Lowe will aim to establish themselves, but securing a prolific striker remains a top priority. Schumacher has highlighted the need for clinical finishing and creative play to convert opportunities into goals, emphasizing the importance of precise recruitment to enhance the team’s performance next season.
Stoke’s current senior squad includes goalkeepers Viktor Johansson, Jack Bonham, Frank Fielding, Scott Morris, and Tommy Simkin; right-backs Junior Tchamadeu and Lynden Gooch; left-backs Enda Stevens and Liam McCarron; center-backs Ben Gibson, Michael Rose, Ben Wilmot, David Okagbue, and Matty Baker; central midfielders Wouter Burger, Josh Laurent, Jordan Thompson, Lewis Baker, Ben Pearson, Daniel Johnson, and Sol Sidibe; right wingers Million Manhoef, Mehdi Leris, and Nikola Jojic; left wingers Bae Junho and Andre Vidigal; and center forwards Ryan Mmaee, Niall Ennis, Nathan Lowe, and Emre Tezgel.
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