Stoke City are being urged to make a strong push to sign in-form striker Joe Taylor, who has emerged as a potential solution to their ongoing attacking struggles. The 23-year-old forward, currently contracted to Huddersfield Town, has attracted attention following an impressive loan spell at Wigan Athletic, where he has rediscovered his scoring touch.
Although Stoke City appear destined for a mid-table finish this season—sitting comfortably clear of relegation but well outside the play-off race—the club is already looking ahead to the summer transfer window. Manager Mark Robins has faced growing criticism from fans due to inconsistent performances, but the focus now is on ending the season positively and preparing for a more competitive campaign next year. If Stoke are serious about challenging for promotion in the 2026/27 season, they will need to strengthen key areas of the squad while also ensuring they keep hold of their most important players.
One area that clearly requires improvement is the attack. Stoke have struggled for goals throughout the season, and their current group of strikers has failed to deliver consistently. Despite bringing in several forwards—Divin Mubama, Lamine Cisse, Robert Bozenik, and Milan Smit—alongside the injury-hit Sam Gallagher, the combined output has been underwhelming. Together, these players have managed just 13 goals in all competitions, highlighting a major weakness in the squad.
In contrast, Joe Taylor has enjoyed a highly productive season. He scored seven goals for Huddersfield Town earlier in the campaign before making a January move to Wigan Athletic in search of regular playing time. Since joining Wigan, he has thrived, scoring nine goals in just 15 appearances and becoming a key figure in their fight to avoid relegation. His performances in League One have not gone unnoticed, with several Championship clubs—including Ipswich Town, Preston North End, and Oxford United—reportedly monitoring his progress.
However, Stoke City may be better positioned than some of their rivals to secure his signature. Given their urgent need for a reliable goalscorer, Taylor represents a logical and potentially transformative addition. His work rate, movement, and finishing ability could make him an ideal fit, particularly when supported by creative players like Sorba Thomas and Million Manhoef, who are capable of providing quality service in attacking areas.
Taylor’s career has included previous spells in the Championship with clubs such as Luton Town and Peterborough United, although he was largely used as a substitute during those stints. Now, with his confidence high and his form peaking, he appears ready for another opportunity at that level—this time with a stronger case to be a regular starter.
Overall, Stoke City must act decisively if they want to address their attacking deficiencies. With the team having scored relatively few goals compared to others in the top half of the Championship, adding a proven and in-form striker like Joe Taylor could make a significant difference. His 16 goals across all competitions this season underline his potential impact, and securing his services should be a top priority as the club looks to rebuild and push for promotion in the near future.
