Stoke City are expected to be active in the final month of the transfer window as manager Steven Schumacher prepares his squad for his first full season at the helm.
Schumacher aims to build on a strong finish to last season, where Stoke narrowly avoided relegation and ended up 17th in the Championship for 2023/24.
Despite this, the Potters have yet to sell any players for a transfer fee this summer. Departures include Tyrese Campbell and Wesley, who left upon the expiration of their contracts.
Centre-backs Matthew Baker and David Okagbue have rejoined Newport County and Walsall on permanent deals, and young goalkeeper Tommy Simkin has moved to Walsall on a season-long loan.
So far, Stoke have brought in four new signings: goalkeeper Viktor Johansson from Rotherham United, centre-back Ben Gibson from Norwich City, wing-back Eric Bocat from Sint-Truiden, and striker Sam Gallagher from Blackburn Rovers.
However, Schumacher is still in the market for an additional centre-back to bolster the defense alongside Gibson.
One potential target has been former Stoke centre-back Harry Souttar, currently with Leicester City.
Despite interest from Sheffield United and his former club Rangers, a return to Stoke appears unlikely, as reported by Stoke-on-Trent Live.
Instead, Stoke should focus on another Leicester centre-back, Ben Nelson, who is expected to be available for loan soon and could be an excellent addition to Schumacher’s defense.
Nelson has experienced a rapid rise in recent years, becoming a key part of Leicester’s first team.
The 20-year-old has been included in numerous Premier League and Europa League matchday squads and had a significant impact during loan spells with Rochdale and Doncaster Rovers in League Two.
Last season, he contributed to Leicester’s Championship-winning campaign and made his senior debut in the EFL Cup against Tranmere Rovers.
Nelson scored his first goal for Leicester in a match against QPR in March, helping the team secure promotion to the Premier League.
Nelson’s previous manager praised his performances last season, and he signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract in December to fend off interest from Premier League champions Manchester City.
However, with Leicester back in the top flight, Nelson is likely to be loaned out, and Stoke could be a strong contender for his services.
Sunderland have reportedly expressed interest in a loan deal for Nelson, but with their financial constraints, Stoke may have a better chance of securing him.
Nelson presents a more realistic option for Stoke compared to Souttar, who left the bet365 Stadium for a reported £15 million just over a year ago.
Souttar is likely to attract attention from higher-profile clubs, making a return to Stoke less feasible.
Nelson, on the other hand, represents a viable target for Stoke, providing youth and valuable second-tier experience to their defense.
The need for another centre-back has become more pressing following Michael Rose’s injury, which is expected to sideline him for up to ten weeks.
Currently, Stoke’s senior centre-back options include Rose, Ben Wilmot, and new signing Ben Gibson.
Youngsters Jaden Dixon and Freddie Anderson, who have impressed in pre-season, may also be given opportunities, but relying on them for regular Championship action could be risky.
Rose’s ankle injury, sustained in a friendly against Crewe Alexandra on July 23, has heightened the urgency for a centre-back addition.
Schumacher has acknowledged that signing a centre-back is a top priority before the transfer window closes on August 30.
Nelson would be an ideal addition to strengthen Stoke’s defense, bringing both youth and experience to a backline that is currently weaker than in previous seasons.
While Gibson is a solid signing, his age and past injury issues raise concerns.
Wilmot has struggled to return to his previous form following back and knee injuries. Consequently, Stoke fans will be eager to see additional centre-back reinforcements this month, with Nelson potentially providing a significant boost to their defensive options.
