Stoke City have completed the signings of American duo Jack McGlynn and Luca Bombino on transfer deadline day. The Championship club secured the midfielder and young forward from Major League Soccer to bolster their options for the season.
The 23-year-old McGlynn arrives from Houston Dynamo on a three-year contract with an option for a further season. The USA international, who has 13 caps, is joined by 20-year-old Luca Bombino, who signed a four-year deal from San Diego. Fees for both players were not disclosed.
Jack McGlynn is an attack-minded midfielder who adds goals and assists. Sporting director Jonathan Walters said the player can operate in various midfield roles. "Jack has been a standout player in MLS in recent seasons," Walters told the club's media. The American's arrival follows the departure of Wales winger Sorba Thomas to Hull City for an initial £7 million, a fee that could rise to £10 million.
Luca Bombino is viewed as a prospect with significant potential. "Luca is one of the brightest young talents in MLS," Walters added, stating the forward will continue to develop at Stoke. The double signing provides manager Mark Robins with fresh attacking options as his team looks to climb from 22nd place in the Championship table.
The new arrivals address a need for creativity and goal threat. Stoke have scored just four goals in their opening four league games while conceding nine, leaving them with a -5 goal difference. They sit seven points behind early leaders Swansea City. The club's squad page will be updated to include the new players ahead of the next match.
Their first win of the campaign came on Tuesday night with a 1-0 victory over Norwich City, one of Robins's former clubs. That result halted a run of three consecutive defeats to start the season, a sequence reflected in their recent form of WLLL. The three points moved them to 3 points from 4 games.
The signings come at a critical time. Stoke's next fixture is a trip to face Cardiff City on September 8th. Cardiff currently sit 19th in the standings, making it an important early-season clash. The full schedule of upcoming matches is available on the club's fixtures page.
Integrating McGlynn and Bombino quickly will be a priority for Robins. The manager will hope the American duo can help improve the team's offensive output and build on the clean sheet earned against Norwich.
Jack McGlynn's contract includes a club option for a fourth season.
