Stoke City's technical director Jon Walters has confirmed the club turned down a deadline-day approach from Hull City for winger Sorba Thomas. The decision shows the 25-year-old's importance to a squad sitting seventh in the Championship with 13 points from eight games.
Walters explained the club's stance, stating they had no intention of letting the Wales international leave. Walters said.
The approach came during a period of strong form for Stoke, who are on a five-match unbeaten run. Their recent fixtures have yielded four wins and a draw, including a 2-1 comeback victory over Sheffield United where Jack McGlynn and Sam Gallagher scored late goals. Thomas, who joined from Huddersfield Town, has been a regular feature in that positive sequence.
Thomas's role in the squad
Walters highlighted the player's versatility and commitment as reasons for retaining him. "He gives us something different," the technical director noted. Thomas has made eight appearances this season, contributing to an attack that has scored 13 league goals.
Stoke's resolve to keep Thomas aligns with their current league position, just four points off the top. The club's standings show a solid foundation, and Walters suggested disrupting a settled group was not in their thinking.
Looking ahead to Bolton
With the transfer window closed, attention turns fully to the pitch. Stoke's next challenge is an away trip to face Bolton on October 10. The team will look to extend their winning run, with the full squad available for selection as they aim to close the gap on the automatic promotion places. Walters's public explanation closes the book on any speculation, firmly placing Thomas in Steven Schumacher's plans for the campaign ahead.
The original report is at hulldailymail.co.uk
