Stoke City faces critical contract decisions at the end of the season as several first-team players are set to see their deals expire. Manager Narcis Pelach, who is still getting familiar with his squad, will need to work closely with Sporting Director Jonathan Walters to determine who stays and who moves on. Here’s a breakdown of the situation for each player and possible recommendations:
1. **Michael Rose**
– **Recommendation**: Renew
– Rose has proven himself a reliable Championship defender and has played consistently when fit, despite strong competition in the backline. Retaining him could offer stability without needing a replacement.
2. **Jordan Thompson**
– **Recommendation**: Allow to leave
– Thompson, Stoke’s longest-serving player, has been a versatile squad member. However, with younger players like Bosun Lawal and Ben Pearson returning to fitness, his influence may wane, making this a natural point for the club to let him pursue new opportunities.
3. **Jack Bonham**
– **Recommendation**: Allow to leave
– Bonham has served the club well as a backup but may find himself surplus with England youth international Tommy Simkin impressing on loan. Moving on would allow Bonham to find more consistent playing time elsewhere.
4. **Emre Tezgel**
– **Recommendation**: Offer a long-term deal
– Tezgel is highly rated and seen as Stoke’s future up front. At just 19, he’s already breaking into the senior team, and Stoke should secure him with a long-term contract to prevent potential suitors from snatching him up.
5. **Lynden Gooch**
– **Recommendation**: Allow to leave
– Gooch has provided versatility but struggled to secure a starting role. Injuries have also hindered his impact, and with possible January signings, his role may diminish further, making a summer exit likely.
6. **Enda Stevens**
– **Recommendation**: Allow to leave
– The experienced left-back has had injury struggles and limited impact since joining from Sheffield United. At 34, allowing him to depart could open a spot for younger, fresher options in Pelach’s squad.
7. **Frank Fielding**
– **Recommendation**: Consider renewal as third-choice
– Although Fielding hasn’t featured much, his experience is valuable in the dressing room. If Simkin returns, Fielding could remain as third-choice keeper and mentor, though he may consider retiring if he leaves Stoke.
These decisions will shape Stoke’s squad depth and finances next season, allowing the club to possibly integrate younger talent and target strategic signings to strengthen the roster further.
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