Stoke City midfielder Tatsuki Seko is set to complete a permanent exit to Urawa Red Diamonds, with the Potters eager to strengthen their squad in the ongoing summer transfer window. The 28-year-old's departure is expected to be a permanent one, with Stoke City set to receive a fee for his services. Seko had a year left on his contract with the Potters but moves on now, ensuring the club receive a fee for his services. The string of new midfield additions made meant he was bound to find game time hard to come by, and they're not left short by his exit either. Seko was a steady player for the Potters, offering a solid presence on the ball and plenty of energy in the middle. Ultimately though, given the upgrades in this area over the summer, a move elsewhere comes at the right time. Seko will be backed to go back and impress in Japan having performed well there previously. A return to his home country after a few years away likely appeals to him from a personal standpoint too. This amicable deal works for all involved and opens up the door for more to come in. It seems a matter of time before the switch is made official. The Verdict: Stoke City will hope for long-awaited progress with new-look midfield. Stoke City are desperate to make steps in the right direction. It has been eight years of regression since their drop from the Premier League, failing to finish in the top half once. It will be hoped that a new-look midfield can help finally power SCFC into the Championship play-off picture. The expanded format increases the opportunity for Robins and co and their big spending over this summer means the pressure is on. Ethan Galbraith is the statement addition to date and will be backed to hold a key role in the middle of the park. Also on the books are Svante Ingelsson and Djibril Soumare, who will hope to compete for places in the starting XI. Tomas Rigo will hope for a better year as well, following a somewhat underwhelming debut campaign. Also still on the books is experienced defensive midfielder Ben Pearson. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 17th in Championship, 55 pts, 15W-10D-21L from 46 games, recent form LLLLD. Goals this season: 51 scored, 56 conceded (-5 goal difference). Title race: 40 points behind leaders Coventry. Next fixture: vs Watford (at home, 2027-02-13) (16th in the table).