Stoke City have been busy in the transfer market in the last few months as Steven Schumacher shapes his squad ahead of the new season.
The Potters have signed standout goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, experienced centre-back Ben Gibson and exciting full-back Eric Bocat from Rotherham United, Norwich City and Sint-Truiden respectively, and are set to continue their business in the coming weeks as Schumacher looks ahead to his first full season in charge in the Potteries.
Tyrese Campbell, Ciaran Clark, Wesley, Tom Edwards and D’Margio Wright-Phillips have all departed the club upon the expiry of their contracts, while young centre-backs Matthew Baker and David Okagbue have both turned down new deals to join Newport County and Walsall respectively, and young goalkeeper Tommy Simkin has also joined the Saddlers on a season-long loan.
Schumacher and co. still have a lot of work to do in this summer window in terms of incomings and outgoings, and the transfers that have happened already have had a knock-on effect on some of his existing players.
With that said, FLW offers two names from the Potters’ current ranks that will feel like winners due to their club’s summer business so far.
Jordan Thompson
Jordan Thompson is the current longest serving player at Stoke, due to Tyrese Campbell’s departure this summer, and he will be feeling as if he has never been in a better place in his Potters career so far.
The Northern Ireland international moved to the bet365 Stadium from Blackpool in January 2020, linking up with then-Stoke boss Michael O’Neill, who he had previously played under at international level for his country.
Eric Bocat
24-year-old Eric Bocat joined Stoke last month on a four-year deal from Belgian Pro League side Sint-Truiden for a reported fee of around £1m, and Potters fans will be excited about the prospect of a young, attacking left-back joining the club to provide competition for Enda Stevens.
