Stoke City enter the final hours of the January transfer window still hoping to complete one last piece of business that could strengthen Mark Robins’ squad before the deadline slams shut. With Championship deadline day expected to be hectic, the Potters are carefully weighing their remaining options as time runs out.
This winter window was never expected to produce a flurry of arrivals at the bet365 Stadium. Stoke’s plans have been shaped by several factors, including the need to comply with profit and sustainability regulations, a growing injury list affecting key players, and the extremely tight race developing around the Championship play-off places.
One of the most notable moves so far has been the arrival of goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, brought in to provide cover after Viktor Johansson’s absence. However, Bazunu himself has since picked up an injury and could be sidelined for several more weeks, adding to Stoke’s ongoing fitness concerns.
Up front, striker Milan Smit has joined the club and was thrown straight into action, making his debut in Saturday’s disappointing 2–0 home defeat to Southampton. That result, and the performance that followed, prompted strong post-match reactions, with Robins openly critical and determined to extract lessons from the setback.
A major priority throughout the window has been the search for an attacking wide player who can provide genuine competition for Sorba Thomas, Million Manhoef and Lamine Cissé, while also offering a different attacking dimension. Favour Fawunmi has emerged as another option in recent weeks as Stoke explore their possibilities.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has remained close to the top of Stoke’s wish list, but securing his signature has proved difficult. The winger is attracting interest from numerous clubs, with Crystal Palace keen to ensure they secure the best possible deal. Reports suggesting the race for his signature had already been decided now appear premature, and his future is expected to be resolved right at the deadline. The 23-year-old has also been linked with Millwall and Lille, underlining the level of competition Stoke face.
While Rak-Sakyi has been the most prominent target, Stoke have considered alternative options, most of which would involve loan deals. Robins still has one loan slot available, as well as one remaining place in his senior squad, giving him limited but crucial flexibility.
Earlier in the window, there had been speculation that Stoke might move for another forward after Divin Mubama was stretchered off with an ankle injury, adding to the list of attackers already sidelined, including Robert Bozenik and Sam Gallagher. Mubama returned to Manchester City for further assessment, but the injury has since been deemed less serious than initially feared. He will remain on loan at Stoke for the rest of the season and is targeting a return to full fitness by early March, having already been back at the stadium supporting the team over the weekend.
As deadline day begins, there has been little expectation of significant departures, although the final day of the window is known for producing surprises. Some movement has already occurred, with Nathan Lowe heading to Wycombe Wanderers on loan, Jack Bonham joining Bolton, Freddie Anderson moving to Barrow on a temporary deal, Kieron Willox loaned out to Inverness Caledonian Thistle, and Andre Vidigal released.
There is also optimism that Million Manhoef will return quickly after missing the Southampton match as a precautionary measure. With injuries slowly easing and one final signing potentially still to come, Stoke are hoping the closing hours of the window can provide a timely boost to their push in an increasingly competitive Championship season.
