Saturday 8 August 2015 10:26, UK
All the transfer news, statistics, pundit views and odds ahead of Stoke City's 2015/16 season.
Position last season: 9th
Sky Bet title odds: 1500/1
Ins: Jakob Haugaard (Midtylland), Philipp Wollscheid (Bayer Leverkusen), Joselu (Hannover 96), Marco van Ginkel (Chelsea, loan), Shay Given (Aston Villa), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Ibrahim Afellay (Barcelona), Moha El Ouriachi (Barcelona).
Outs: Thomas Sorensen, Wilson Palacios, Andy Wilkinson (all released), Steven Nzonzi (Sevilla), Asmir Begovic (Chelsea), Robert Huth (Leicester), Jamie Ness (Scunthorpe).
Overview
“I have a really good feeling about this place and feel there is even more room for us to progress.” Those were the words of Mark Hughes as Stoke secured a second consecutive ninth-placed Premier League finish last season, and the Potters certainly look like a club on the up.
Hughes has gradually introduced a more attractive brand of football at the Britannia Stadium, and their new arrivals suggest that trend is likely to continue. Former Barcelona winger Ibrahim Afellay, Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel and Spanish striker Joselu are exciting additions, and goalkeepers Jakob Haugaard and Shay Given will provide back-up to Jack Butland following the departure of Asmir Begovic to Chelsea.
Last season was Stoke’s best ever in the Premier League, but this year they are setting their sights on European qualification. “People suggest that being in the Europa League is a burden, but for ourselves it is a burden we would be more than happy to take on,” said Hughes.
Stuart Pearce's view: "Tony Pulis left a solid club there for Mark to come in and take over, and he’s done a fantastic job. He’s pushed them on from there. They’ve sold one or two players, so it’s important that the new guys integrate very well."
Stuart Pearce's one to watch: "Asmir Begovic leaving is a big blow but what I’m pleased about is that Jack Butland is still there. Hopefully he will be the big player. I hope he gets in the team, stays there and has a good season. He’s got the ability to do so."
Opta stats
- Last term, Mark Hughes guided Stoke to their highest points tally in a single Premier League campaign (54).
- Peter Crouch has scored 47 headed goals in the Premier League, more than any other player.
- Stoke have finished ninth for two seasons in a row. This is the first time they’ve had two successive top-flight top half finishes since 1975.
