With Stoke City in free fall before Michael O’Neill’s appointment, the summer before his first full season in charge was always going to be massive. The club certainly haven’t hung about, as they have already made five new additions. We’ll take a look at what each of the new signings add to the team, and whether or not they vastly improve the side.
Morgan Fox (Left Back)
Signing a left-back was probably the club’s biggest priority this summer, having gone multiple seasons lacking quality in that area. Fox was one of Sheffield Wednesday’s best players in the 2019/20 campaign, and to be able to bring him in on a free is a real shrewd piece of business.
The full-back adds some much-needed energy down the left-hand flank, as he’ll be bombing up and down trying to provide options for the attack as well as his primary duty which is to defend. He most definitely improves this Stoke side provided he carries on the form he showed at his previous club.
James Chester (Centre Back)
Having already spent six months on loan at the club in the previous season, Chester decided to join Stoke City permanently this summer. He had a relatively steady start to his Stoke career. The Welsh international had some great outings recently but was equally was prone to the odd mistake here and there.
He adds much-needed leadership qualities as well as experience as he’s been in sides that have competed at both ends of the Championship table. Another free transfer here, and a reasonably good signing for Stoke. If he can cut out the silly mistakes, then he’ll prove to be another great bit of business.
John Obi Mikel (Defensive Midfielder)
Wow. No one could’ve predicted this transfer. This deal has the potential to be Stoke’s best signing of the summer. He is a natural born winner who will bring a winning mentality to the dressing room, which goes going hand in hand with the experience he has under his belt. Granted Mikel’s coming towards the end of his career at the age of 33, but with Joe Allen likely to retake his place once fully fit again, this seems like a brilliant short term replacement. Whether he starts games or plays his part coming on as a substitute, his influence in the team could be pivotal to success. An incredible signing from Stoke and a player who instantly boosts their ranks.
Steven Fletcher (Striker)
Another player coming in off the back of a strong campaign. The Scotsman bagged double figures last season as he scored 13 in a struggling Sheffield Wednesday side. He adds a real physical presence up top and will bring so many other players into play when on the attack.
Stoke like to get balls into the box, and so Fletcher could be a superb acquisition as he’s more than capable of getting on the end of deliveries into the box. If Stoke City can keep him fit then he’s more than likely to bag double figures again this season. A good signing here as he’ll bolster the attacking options.
Jacob Brown (Right Winger)
At just 21 years of age, there is plenty of room for development. Brown had a rather solid season last campaign as he managed a total of 9 assists alongside netting three goals for Barnsley. This signing adds some desperately needed pace into the team, as well as being yet another physical presence.
When comparing him to the likes of Tom Ince, Brown seems to be an excellent player to replace Ince as a regular starter on the right-wing. This is perhaps the signing that most Stoke fans seem more excited about, and with good reason. He looks to be a fascinating prospect and will be a very valuable asset to the club this season.
