If Stoke City fans were asked to select the most valuable players in Narcis Pelach’s roster, Tom Cannon, Bae Junho, and Million Manhoef would most likely be among the top three.
However, it is unlikely that the same fans would argue that adding to the forwards is one of the top priorities as the head coach enters his first transfer window in January.
With Sam Gallagher out due to injury, calf and then hamstring, Pelach has relied largely on his top three guys, as well as Lewis Koumas, with Andrew Moran also floated as a number 10. Emre Tezgel has only played 228 minutes in the league and need a loan, Niall Ennis has drifted to the outskirts, and Andre Vidigal has struggled to shake off his rust.
It’s a fairly young front line. Manhoef is still only 22 years old and in his first full season in England; Junho is only 21 and in his first full season in England; and Cannon is only 21 and in his first full season of regular football. There are nine games coming up in 36 days, culminating in the first weekend of the new year, and playing time will most likely have to be controlled to realize their full potential.
Gallagher, 29, is due back in December and will make a significant impact if he can remain healthy this time, so that will also have to be addressed.
So it would be intriguing to be a fly on the wall in transfer discussions between Pelach, sporting director Jon Walters, and head of recruiting Lee Darnbrough to see what type of player they would like to bring in and where they would come from. Flighty winger or strongman? Poacher or wizard?
Pelach has been tossing in names from his own little black book of contacts, and players have reportedly been approaching Stoke in the hopes of getting an opportunity to work under him. Then there’s a 19-year-old boy in League Two who has been scoring goals for fun, trying to get the notice of the Clayton Wood leadership.
It’s a difficult window, and clubs can price a premium for the type of game changer that Stoke wants. However, there are deals to be discovered, such as acquiring Manhoef from cash-strapped Vitesse Arnhem the previous season. There is always the possibility that someone will try to pull a player away from Stoke.
No one can foresee what will happen, and it will be intriguing to watch what is found during the first winter under Walters, Pelach, and Darbrough. This season’s Championship is so tight that one or two clever business moves could make all the difference.
Leave a Reply