Stoke City are close to completing a transfer for San Diego FC left-back Luca Bombino. The 20-year-old United States youth international is expected to travel to England to finalise a deal that could be worth up to £3.7 million.
Stoke sit 21st in the Championship with zero points from their opening two games, having lost both. They have scored twice and conceded five, leaving them with a minus-three goal difference and six points behind early leaders Millwall.
Luca Bombino is a 20-year-old defender who grew up in California and came through the academy at Los Angeles FC. He joined San Diego FC last year and established himself as a regular in Major League Soccer. A youth international for the United States, Bombino has spoken about the mentality required to succeed. "I think pride is a key value of defending," he said. "As a fullback or a centre-back, your job is to make sure that the attackers have unlimited freedom to go forward and if they make a mistake, ‘No worries, we have your back.’" Interestingly, his backup career plan was to become an astronaut.
The pursuit of Bombino addresses a clear need in Steven Schumacher's squad. First-choice left-back Aaron Cresswell is currently recovering from a knee injury. While loan signing Ben Johnson can cover the position, he is primarily a right-back. The potential departure of Eric Bocat is not seen as imminent, but adding depth and competition is a priority. The potential £3.7m fee underscores the club's intent to secure a long-term option in that role.
Stoke's activity is not limited to the left-back position. The club had hoped to sign winger Ben Brereton-Diaz, who grew up supporting the club in Meir Park. However, he chose to rejoin Sheffield United and manager Chris Wilder, despite Southampton accepting loan offers from Stoke, Derby, and the Blades. The search for a winger continues, with further arrivals likely dependent on player sales. Hull City have made two bids for Wales international Sorba Thomas, but those offers have fallen well short of Stoke's valuation for a player who has been one of the Championship's leading forwards over the past year. It is unclear if Hull will return with a serious offer.
Stoke have also been linked with Bombino's San Diego teammate, centre-half Manu Diah, but a deal for him has never appeared likely this summer.
The immediate focus is on integrating new signings to improve results. The club's league position of 21st highlights the urgency. Adding a dynamic, young defender like Bombino could help solidify a defence that has conceded five goals in two matches. His arrival would provide Schumacher with more tactical flexibility, especially with Cresswell sidelined. Any further moves in the market will be shaped by outgoings, with the Thomas situation one to watch as the deadline approaches. Fans can track the team's progress in the standings as the season develops.
