Stoke City

Every Premier League and Championship free agent for Stoke City to consider so far this summer

02/06/2024 Raymond 0

The free agent market is attracting significant attention from both Premier League and Championship clubs, as managers and recruitment chiefs seek out bargains, gambles, and hidden gems. Stoke City has already initiated their summer activity by signing goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, taking advantage of a relegation release clause. Head coach Steven Schumacher and sporting director Jon Walters are focused on enhancing the first team squad by adding balance and quality, particularly seeking one or two strikers and a center-back.

Several Premier League clubs have yet to confirm their retained lists following the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign. In the Championship, Cardiff City and Leeds United have also not published their lists. Below is a summary of the current group of players without a contract beyond June 30.

Stoke City’s Bae Jun-ho gets first duty call for senior Korean squad

27/05/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City midfielder Bae Jun-ho received his first call-up to the senior national team on Monday, joining six other newcomers under interim manager Kim Do-hoon for two 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June. At 20, Bae is the only new midfielder in the 23-member roster, having earned his spot after an impressive 2023-24 Championship season with two goals and five assists in 38 matches. FC Machida Zelvia forward Oh Se-hoon, 25, also received his first senior team call-up, boasting six goals in 16 J1 League matches as of Monday.

The defense sees four new additions: Ha Chang-rae from Nagoya Grampus, Park Seung-wook from Gimcheon Sangmu, Hwang Jae-won from Daegu FC, and Choi Jun from FC Seoul. They join returning defenders Kwon Kyung-won of Suwon FC, Cho Yu-min of Sharjah FC, Kim Jin-su of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, and Lee Myung-jae of Ulsan. Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae is absent due to a left ankle injury, and regular fullback Seol Young-woo of Ulsan is also missing as he rehabilitates a shoulder injury.

If Wouter Burger leaves Stoke City for Spurs, Coventry City could hold ideal replacement: View

26/05/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City is gearing up for the 2024/25 Championship season, determined to improve on their lackluster performance from the previous year. Finishing in 17th place and narrowly avoiding relegation by six points, the team faces significant pressure to climb the standings under the leadership of manager Steven Schumacher, who is entering his first full season at the helm.

With the summer transfer window open and the club’s retained list announced, Stoke is focusing on strengthening key areas of their squad to ensure a successful season ahead. However, the team’s plans might be disrupted as one of their standout players, Wouter Burger, has attracted interest from Premier League clubs. Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United are reportedly keen on signing Burger, who joined Stoke just last year on a four-year contract.

Burger’s arrival at Stoke’s bet365 Stadium was unexpected, given his links to higher-tier clubs. Nonetheless, his decision to join the Potters has proven wise. The 23-year-old played 39 Championship games, scoring three goals and providing four assists, becoming a crucial player for Schumacher. Despite his recent arrival, Burger’s leadership qualities shone through, as he captained the team in Josh Laurent’s absence on nine occasions.