Stoke City have confirmed a total of 28 transfers completed during the summer window, a major overhaul. The Championship club brought in 11 new players and saw 17 departures as manager Maksym Talovierov reshaped his squad.
The new signings include striker George Hirst from Ipswich Town and midfielder Svante Ingelsson from Sheffield Wednesday, both for undisclosed fees. They join a group of arrivals that also features defenders Luke Graham, Ben Johnson, and Luca Bombino, alongside midfielders Djibril Soumare, Josh Griffiths, Ethan Galbraith, Jack McGlynn, and Justin Devenny. Johnson is the sole loan addition, joining from Ipswich Town, while Bombino and McGlynn bring experience from MLS clubs San Diego FC and Houston Dynamo respectively.
The list of departures is extensive. Experienced midfielders Lewis Baker and Steven Nzonzi were released to Bursaspor and USL Dunkerque. Winger Sorba Thomas was sold to Hull City, while Tatsuki Seko returned to Japan with Urawa Red Diamonds. Younger players Darius Lipsiuc and Nikola Jojic moved to Notts County and Start respectively. A further nine academy prospects, including Nathan Lowe and Emre Tezgel, were sent out on loan to gain experience. Goalkeeper Milan Smit, whose purchase option was triggered from Go Ahead Eagles, was immediately loaned to German side Darmstadt 98.
This significant turnover comes as Stoke City seek to improve their early-season form. After four Championship games, they sit 22nd in the standings with just three points from one win and three losses. The team has scored four goals but conceded nine, leaving them with a negative five goal difference. They are currently seven points behind early leaders Swansea City. Injuries have also impacted the group, with six players including new signing Svante Ingelsson and defender Ben Gibson currently sidelined.
The revamped squad faces a tough test to halt its losing streak. Stoke's next match is at home against high-flying Charlton Athletic, who are third in the table, on Saturday, September 5th. Manager Maksym Talovierov, who noted a player "was left out of the squad again on Tuesday night," will be eager to integrate his new signings quickly. Fans can view the full schedule on the club's fixtures page.
The engine room saw the most activity with five arrivals and three permanent exits. Alongside Ingelsson, the club added Djibril Soumare from Braga, Josh Griffiths from West Brom, Ethan Galbraith from Swansea, and Jack McGlynn. They replace the departed Baker, Nzonzi, and Seko. This new-look midfield will be tasked with shoring up a defence that has been leaky so far and creating more chances for the attack. The team's current statistics are available on our dedicated stats page. Stoke City host Charlton at the bet365 Stadium this weekend.
