Stoke City could offload Bae Jun-ho, their 2023 signing, amid interest from elsewhere. The 22-year-old South Korea international has been away at the World Cup but his country has now been knocked out.

What happened?

Stoke City signed Jun-ho in 2023, and he has since made 45 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing three assists. However, with the club busy on the recruitment front, signing players like Ethan Galbraith, Dijbril Soumare, and Josh Griffiths, some players may need to make way to clear room for the new additions.

Why it matters for Stoke City

The Potters risk losing Jun-ho for free next year if they don’t sell him now or in January, assuming he doesn’t pen an extension anytime soon. Selling him would help free up space and funds to pay for their new additions. In addition, it would allow him to take on a new challenge somewhere else after three years in England. As of now, Stoke City is 17th in the Championship, 40 points behind leaders Coventry, with a recent form of LLLLD, having scored 51 goals and conceded 56, with a goal difference of -5.

What comes next?

Jun-ho can play down the middle behind the striker as an attacking midfielder or on either flank. The Potters are well stocked up with options in their attacking department with players such as Sorba Thomas and Million Manhoef, among others. With their next fixture being against Watford at home on 2027-02-13, Stoke City will look to make the most of their current squad and any potential new signings. As the transfer window remains open, Stoke City has a decision to make on what to do with Jun-ho, who is under contract until June 2027, meaning he has entered the final 12 months of his deal.