Mark Robins has closed his first transfer window as Stoke City manager with new acquisitions and returning players.
Ryan Mmaee is returning to Stoke City early, adding to the quiet end of the transfer window.
The 27-year-old striker has yet to play for Rapid due to a quad injury sustained during his first training session in August. He returned to fitness only to injure his hamstring during a winter break friendly last week, and he is now expected to miss another four to six weeks.
Rapid has had terrible luck with forwards this season, none more so than Guido Burgstaller, who suffered a fractured skull when he was hit in Vienna in December.They hoped Mmaee would fill the vacuum as they prepare for a return to action over the weekend.
Instead, they were compelled to consider other possibilities and contacted Stoke about returning Mmaee, which required the approval of all three parties. Rapid will continue to pay the majority of his earnings, but they are willing to take the damage. Before the latest setback, Mmaee’s Stoke journey appeared to be over. However, after a couple of chances under different managers in his debut season, he’s back to prove he can be successful in the Championship.
Mark Robins, the new Stoke manager, may consider signing a striker who is under contract until 2026. The squad has struggled to produce goals in the first half of the season.
The offensive department has already been significantly changed. Stoke lost Tom Cannon in this window, but signed Ali Al-Hamadi, recalled Nathan Lowe, and loaned Niall Ennis to Blackpool. Emre Tezgel will have a chance under Robins, while Lewis Koumas can also play down the middle, while Sam Gallagher is recovering from a hamstring injury.
Mmaee is the third Stoke player to return early from a loan spell in recent weeks, with Lewis Baker also leaving Blackburn Rovers to join the Robins.
Stoke rejected FC Midtjylland’s late bid for Wouter Burger, citing the need for more time to find a replacement. Jordan Thompson was also interested at AIK Stockholm, but he wants to go back to full shape following a hernia procedure and impress Robins.
Stoke have loaned 19-year-old midfielder Darius Lipsiuc to Walsall, where Lowe performed admirably in the first half of the season and Stoke’s England youth goalie Tommy Simkin is already a crucial figure in their League Two title bid. Walsall also borrowed David Okagbue from Stoke last season before making the transfer permanent last summer.
Lipsiuc stated: “It’s been a long time coming, with negotiations during the entire window, so I’m excited and ready to start.
“It’s time for me to gain league experience, and Walsall is the best location to start. The team is currently flying, so maybe I can help as much as I can and earn as many minutes as possible.”
Stoke City’s January window business is limited by Financial Fair Play laws, following a significant summer spending spree under Alex Neil, Ricky Martin, and Jared Dublin in 2023.
They won a hard competition for Al-Hamadi, though, and have also signed Manchester City youngster Josh Wilson-Esbrand on loan, while a number of veteran players are expected to return from the treatment room in the coming weeks.
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