Stoke City's Squad Update and Loan Moves as Transfer Window Heats Up

Stoke City are currently looking at various options in the January transfer window, with two available spots in their EFL squad list and three loan opportunities if they decide to make strategic moves. The club has already submitted a 24-man squad at the end of the summer window, but there have been some changes since then.

Jamie Donley has returned to Tottenham Hotspur after a challenging loan spell, which means Stoke will need to create space if they want to bring in more than two players before the February 2 deadline. However, this requirement can be bypassed if they make a permanent signing of a player born after January 1, 2005.

Andre Vidigal was not included in the squad and may have another chance to leave this month. His contract is set to expire in the summer, and he hasn't started a league game since April 2024. This could open up an opportunity for a new addition or a move for Vidigal.

Mark Robins, the manager, has hinted at potential transfer activity following a difficult period. He emphasized the importance of timing when it comes to making decisions on strikers, as the club looks to strengthen its squad.

Championship clubs are allowed to name five loan players in a matchday squad. Currently, Stoke has Ashley Phillips on loan from Tottenham and Divin Mubama from Manchester City. Any incoming loan players must be named in the senior squad regardless of their age.

Stoke has 28 contracted players under the age of 21 according to EFL rules. This includes Tommy Simkin, who recently returned from a loan at Leyton Orient following an injury to Viktor Johansson. Other under-21 players include Syd Agina, Josh Bickerton, and Favour Fawunmi, who were on the bench during the match against Hull. Freddie Anderson has completed a loan at Cork City and is now available for Stoke again.

Here is the current senior squad:

Between the Sticks - Viktor Johansson - Jack Bonham - Frank Fielding

At the Back - Junior Tchamadeu - Eric Bocat - Ben Gibson - Ben Wilmot - Bosun Lawal - Maksym Talovierov - Ashley Phillips - Aaron Cresswell

In the Middle - Ben Pearson - Tatsuki Seko - Lewis Baker - Steven Nzonzi - Tomas Rigo

Up Front - Bae Junho - Million Manhoef - Divin Mubama - Sorba Thomas - Lamine Cisse - Sam Gallagher - Robert Bozenik

Under-21 Contracted Players - Syd Agina - Freddie Anderson - Josh Bickerton - Chinonso Chibueze - Caleb Clothier - Noah Cooper - Ruben Curley - Jaden Dixon - Favour Fawunmi - Laurence Giani - True Grant - Jake Griffin - Wiktor Gromek - Gabriel Kelly - Jerome Kyremeh - Darius Lipsiuc - Ryan Liu - Nathan Lowe - Josh Maskall - Japhet Matondo - Jaden Mears - Francis Oppong - Pjius Otegbayo - Tommy Simkin - Will Smith - Emre Tezgel - Adriel Walker - Kieron Willox

Mark Robins has spoken about the transfer window, stating: "The window is open and we probably need a little bit of help, but that’s easier said than done. We’re in a really good position to attack the league in the second half of the season as long as you’ve got the availability of those players. The lads are stepping in and filling in positions doing a great job at the moment, but we know that has to change for us to be able to keep picking those points up. Having said that, Junior (Tchamadeu) should get back in two weeks maximum. We’ve got another game, then the FA Cup, and then potentially he comes back in. Then, on top of that, we’ll see what we can do in the market."

So far, the only deal involving Stoke has been the return of Jamie Donley to Tottenham Hotspur.

For more information on what Stoke needs in January, you can join the debate. Additionally, a new WhatsApp group has been launched to deliver the latest Stoke news directly to your phone. You can join by clicking on the link, selecting 'Join Chat,' and you're in. If you decide to leave the group, you can do so by clicking on the name at the top of your screen and selecting 'Exit Group.'