“Would we even allow it?” – Stoke City duo touted for significant summer transfer interest

Stoke City may be destined for a summer reconstruction, regardless of whether they remain in the Championship or drop to League One.

Potters manager Mark Robins took over a squad with a few loan players and added two more in January.

However, the 2024/25 season hasn’t gone to plan at the bet365 Stadium, with the club sacking Narcis Pelach in late December after just three months in command, and if defeats haven’t been as prevalent under Robins so far, neither have wins.

Heading into a midweek encounter with Bristol City, Stoke find themselves flirting with the relegation zone, as they look poised to once again record a bottom-half finish in the Championship this season at best – something they’ve done every season since being relegated from the Premier League in 2018.

As such, clubs will definitely be looking at the situation in The Potteries as a chance to swoop in for some of the club’s greatest players, in what could be a significant summer of transition for Robins to navigate.

“Not many like him” – Stoke City goalkeeper Viktor Johansson has established himself as one of Championship’s best shot stoppers

Sam Harrison, a Stoke City fan, predicts that goalkeeper Viktor Johansson and midfielder Wouter Burger will be the most sought-after transfer targets this summer.

Harrison expressed concern over the potential loss of Viktor Johansson, a key player for Stoke.

“You believe that a top Championship club, or perhaps a Premier League side, would be interested in him. He’s one of the best Stoke players we’ve had this season. A terrific signing.

“He’s a leader, and his versatility as a custodian will draw notice. There aren’t many keepers like him, particularly in the Championship. He’s absolutely one of the best.

“So, I believe he will attract attention. The question is whether Stoke will entertain it, which we hope not to do. However, when you think about it, Million Manhoef and Bae Jun-ho are also included.

“But I believe Johansson is the most likely to garner a lot of attention because of how well he has played, not because he wants to go, but simply because of how well he is performing. Possibly even the financial aspect; not for him, but if the money is appropriate, would we even accept it? I’m not so sure.

“But because of how good Johansson plays and what a top keeper he is, he’s going to get attention from the bigger teams, and hopefully they won’t look into it. But that’s a natural phenomenon, and it may happen over the lengthy summer months.

“Fingers crossed it doesn’t and he stays, and continues in the stripes of the Potters for another season next year.”

Wouter Burger also tipped for potential Stoke City summer exit

Despite not quite reaching the same level of form and performance as he achieved in his first season as a Stoke player last season, Wouter Burger remains an essential member of the Potters side.

The club sees the former Dutch youth international as a key player at the bet365 Stadium, despite rejecting a deadline-day approach from Danish side FC Midtjylland. Robins will be supported during his first transfer window as manager.

According to Harrison, several players are expected to be connected with a move away from Burger. “Hopefully it doesn’t happen and we keep them, but I believe Wouter Burger, given his previous interest in him.

“With a late deadline day trade that did not happen, you believe someone similar will come in for him in the summer. “So he is one.”

If Burger leaves in the summer, Stoke will need to find a replacement for central midfielders Lewis Baker and Jordan Thompson, who will become free agents after the season.

City’s depth chart in the middle of the park behind those two out-of-contract stars is stacked with young players, the majority of whom have no senior experience.

Burger’s experience at top European football levels, despite his young age, makes him a key player for Robins’ midfield in the future.

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