Stoke City starting XI for next season as Steven Schumacher gets early business done

09/06/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City has bid farewell to five key players from their starting lineup, determined to promptly fill these gaps. Goalkeeper Daniel Iversen, right-back Ki-Jana Hoever, center-half Luke McNally, and attacking midfielder Luke Cundle have all returned to their parent clubs after their loan spells, while striker Tyrese Campbell departs at the end of his contract.

Junior Tchamadeu is set to replace Hoever, with Lynden Gooch providing competition. Seventeen-year-old Sol Sidibe, recently called up to England’s under-18 team, is expected to be a major part of the first team squad during pre-season, potentially sharing minutes with midfielders Jordan Thompson, Wouter Burger, Josh Laurent, Ben Pearson, and Lewis Baker. Viktor Johansson has joined as the new number one goalkeeper from Rotherham United.

In defense, Ben Gibson joins Michael Rose and Ben Wilmot. Left-back Enda Stevens has extended his contract, but given his injury history, additional cover may be sought. The center-forward position remains a top priority, with Ryan Mmaee and Niall Ennis eager to prove themselves, and youngsters Emre Tezgel and Nathan Lowe aiming to catch the coach’s attention.

The transfer window remains open, and Stoke City expects further player movements, both in and out, marking a proactive shift from the previous year’s unsettled pre-season.

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.