Steven Schumacher

“Break the bank” – Pundit urges Stoke City to take strong Bae Jun-ho stance amid Feyenoord interest

18/07/2024 Raymond 0

It is hard to disagree with Palmer that Stoke should reject any bids for Bae this summer, unless Feyenoord makes a significant offer. Bae’s performances were a highlight in an otherwise disappointing season for the Potters, and he will be crucial as Schumacher aims to improve the team’s standings next term. While Stoke may need to sell players this summer to balance the books and provide Schumacher with funds to strengthen the squad, Bae is one player they should not consider cashing in on.

Stoke City: Capitalising on Norwich City call looks smarter after QPR, Wolves fee talk – View

12/07/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City have already made a significant transfer decision this summer as they aim to climb the Championship table next season under Steven Schumacher. The Potters have signed standout goalkeeper Viktor Johansson and dynamic wing-back Eric Junior Bocat from Rotherham United and Sint-Truiden, respectively. This is just the beginning of what is expected to be a busy transfer market period for Schumacher as he shapes his squad for the 2024/25 campaign.

Burger stays: How Stoke City’s perfect 2024 summer transfer window surely looks

08/07/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City under Steven Schumacher are gearing up for the 2024/25 season with strategic transfer moves aimed at bolstering their squad. Already, they’ve secured key signings like goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, defender Ben Gibson, and wing-back Eric Junior Bocat. Despite these additions, the departure of longstanding players like Tyrese Campbell and several contract expirations has left Schumacher with substantial work to do in reshaping the team.

One crucial figure in their plans is Wouter Burger, whose impactful debut season has attracted interest from Premier League clubs. Stoke faces a challenge in retaining him amidst reported bids, with a fee around £12 million potentially luring him away. Meanwhile, the club hopes to convince Ki-Jana Hoever to return following a successful loan spell, despite uncertainties about his role at Wolves.

Stoke City latest: Josh Laurent exit claim, Rak-Sakyi loan battle,

04/07/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City is gearing up for a significant summer of roster changes and strategic transfer decisions to strengthen their position in the Championship. Under the leadership of new manager Steven Schumacher, the team is actively engaging in the transfer market. Schumacher, in his inaugural summer as the Potters boss, has already secured notable signings such as goalkeeper Viktor Johansson from Rotherham United, seasoned center-back Ben Gibson from Norwich City, and dynamic wing-back Eric Bocat from Sint-Truiden.

Several first-team players have exited the club as their contracts expired, signaling a period of transition for the squad. Among the notable departures, center-back Matthew Baker has permanently moved to Newport County following a compensation agreement between the clubs, and young goalkeeper Tommy Simkin has embarked on a season-long loan to Walsall, starting on June 2.

Transfer Rumours: Swansea City’s Interest in Stoke City Midfielder?

01/07/2024 Raymond 0

Swansea City is reportedly one of three Championship clubs interested in acquiring Stoke City midfielder Josh Laurent. Laurent, who is in the final year of his contract with Stoke, is also drawing attention from clubs abroad. Despite the interest, it seems unlikely that Stoke will want to part ways with Laurent, given his importance to the team. Any potential move would depend on Laurent’s desire to leave, and there has been no indication that he is looking to transfer this summer, especially to another Championship club.

For Swansea, central midfield is an area that needs strengthening, although there are more urgent positions to address. While a midfield pairing of Matt Grimes and Jay Fulton lacks dynamism, and Joe Allen is expected to play a limited role due to fitness concerns, a move for Laurent seems improbable given his value to Stoke and Swansea’s constrained transfer budget. In conclusion, while the rumors of Swansea’s interest in Laurent are intriguing, they appear to be speculative at this stage. Only time will tell if any concrete developments will emerge.

Stoke City bring in ‘winner’ and the Zoom call that sealed transfer

30/06/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City head coach Steven Schumacher was notably impressed during a Zoom chat that played a pivotal role in finalizing the signing of Ben Gibson. Both Schumacher and Gibson were in sync when the defender interrupted his family holiday to discuss his potential move to Stoke City. Gibson, a 31-year-old center-half, joins Stoke as a free agent following his successful tenure at Norwich, where he helped the team reach the play-offs in the last year of his contract. Schumacher was keen on bringing in experience and leadership to his squad, which had lacked players aged 30 or above starting 20 or more league games in the previous season.

Schumacher shared his thoughts on Gibson, highlighting his strong references and impressive career, which includes numerous promotions from the Championship. He emphasized the importance of leadership and a winning mentality within the dressing room, qualities that Gibson exemplifies. Schumacher’s positive external references about Gibson further reinforced his decision, portraying Gibson as a dedicated professional and a winner—traits crucial for the team’s growth.

Stoke City, left-back lesson and the change Gareth Southgate must make for England vs Slovakia

29/06/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City legend Mike Pejic is optimistic about Steven Schumacher’s recent transfer moves and extends a warm welcome to new signing Eric Bocat. Pejic is excited to see what Bocat will bring to the squad, particularly appreciating the presence of two natural left-sided players with Bocat and Enda Stevens. He emphasizes the importance of balance in any football system, whether it focuses on possession or counter-attacking.

Pejic also shares his thoughts on the England team for Euro 2024, noting their struggle to find a left-footed player for the left-back role during the tournament. He stresses the need for left-sided players to stretch teams and utilize the width of the field effectively. Reflecting on the tournament, Pejic was impressed with Georgia’s spirit, teamwork, and forward-thinking approach, highlighting their ability to work the ball out of tight areas with good support and execute swift counter-attacks.

Turning to England, Pejic envisions a lineup with Watkins up front, Saka and Foden on the flanks, Kane playing off the front, and Bellingham linking up with Kane. Rice would provide defensive stability, while Walker and Shaw support from the back. Pejic believes this balanced lineup can produce exciting and winning football, urging Gareth Southgate to trust these players against Slovakia in the last 16. He is confident that if England adheres to these principles, they can progress through the knockout stages and potentially win the tournament.

Stoke City injury blow as midfielder ruled out for four months

27/06/2024 Raymond 0

Ben Pearson, Stoke City’s 29-year-old midfielder, faces a four-month recovery period following surgery for a persistent hamstring injury. Initially hoping to avoid surgery, Pearson ultimately required the procedure, which will likely see him miss the first ten games of the season and all pre-season preparations. Pearson, who joined Stoke permanently last summer from Bournemouth for a fee under £500,000, had a challenging season plagued by injuries, limiting his league appearances to 22.

Steven Schumacher, expressing his frustration, noted that Pearson had been working with the club’s physios all summer, but an undiagnosed hamstring issue necessitated the surgery. Schumacher remains hopeful for Pearson’s recovery and emphasized the importance of focusing on rehabilitation. Despite Pearson’s absence, Stoke City boasts a robust midfield lineup, including Josh Laurent, Wouter Burger, and emerging talent Sol Sidibe. Recent signings like Viktor Johansson and Eric Bocat further strengthen the squad. Schumacher remains pragmatic, urging Pearson to concentrate on his rehab to ensure a strong comeback.

Sheffield United rival Stoke City in race for Norwich City man

25/06/2024 Raymond 0

Sheffield United and Stoke City are both competing to sign Norwich City defender Sam McCallum. Sheffield United, preparing for their return to the Championship after a last-place finish in the Premier League, and Stoke City, who finished 17th last season, are keen on the 23-year-old left-back. McCallum played 29 Championship games for Norwich City last season and is set to become a free agent at the end of the month, making him an attractive target for both clubs. Despite financial constraints due to takeover talks, Sheffield United might still pursue McCallum if the terms are favorable.

Stoke City transfer latest: Eric Bocat deal, Timothy Fayulu linked, Hibernian star eyed

21/06/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City is reportedly close to signing Sint-Truiden defender Eric Junior Bocat, according to TeamTalk and StokeOnTrentLive. The 24-year-old Frenchman, who has previously played for Lille and Mouscron, joined STVV in 2022 and was a target for Leicester City earlier this summer. However, he now looks set to finalize a move to the Potters. Bocat, primarily a left-wing-back, is expected to compete as a left-back under Steven Schumacher’s system, providing competition for 33-year-old Enda Stevens, who………………….