Stoke City is gearing up for a busy close season as they prepare for Steven Schumacher’s first full campaign in charge. The Potters have been making moves behind the scenes and in the transfer market. Three notable backroom departures have been confirmed, a new head of recruitment has been brought in, and two signings have already been announced even before the summer window officially opens. The retained list saw five loan players return to their parent clubs while Tyrese Campbell, Wesley, and Ciaran Clark are leaving at the end of their contracts. On the other hand, Enda Stevens, Jordan Thompson, and Frank Fielding have extended their stays.
Viktor Johansson, a goalkeeper who has impressed with Rotherham United, has become Stoke’s first signing by triggering a relegation release clause. Centre-half Ben Gibson from Norwich is the second signing. Jared Dublin has left his role as head of recruitment and has been replaced by Lee Darnbrough from Hull. First-team physio Nick Meace and first-team coach Paul Gallagher have also departed. Pre-season details have been confirmed, including a training week in the Republic of Ireland.
Stoke fans can keep track of all the news and gossip leading up to pre-season and August. With the squad changes and new signings, there is much to discuss. The auction of Stoke City memorabilia, including Stanley Matthews’ Division Two championship-winning medal, has garnered attention with high guide prices. In terms of player movements, Tom Sparrow has signed for Motherwell, while Daniel Johnson has been left out of the Jamaica squad for Copa America.
Stoke youth graduate Thibaud Verlinden has surprised many by signing a new contract to stay with his current club. Meanwhile, Bruno Martins Indi will return to Stoke City in pre-season as part of the AZ Alkmaar squad.
The Championship is abuzz with transfer activities, with clubs like Sheffield United, Oxford United, and Middlesbrough making moves for players. Nottingham Forest, Bristol City, and QPR are also involved in transfer activities, indicating an exciting summer window in the Championship.
Stoke’s backroom team is taking shape with Mark Hughes as the assistant head coach, Peter Cavanagh as the first team coach, Darren Behcet as the goalkeeper coach, and Alex Morris in a senior role. Paul Gallagher has left his position as first team coach, creating a vacancy in the coaching set-up.
Chiquinho, a former Stoke City loan player, is now being linked with a move to Sporting Lisbon and Braga in Portugal after a successful loan spell at Famalicao.
As Stoke City prepares for the upcoming season, fans are eager to see how the squad will shape up and what new signings will bring to the team. The summer transfer window promises to be an exciting time for Stoke and Championship football in general.