Stoke City appear to be in a much stronger position than they were last season, and a couple of more additions could have them well in contention for a top six spot.
Alex Neil struggled to really get going last season at Stoke City, but now this summer he has been able to make the squad his own and a busy window has them reaping the rewards in the league.
They’ve won two from their opening three Championship outings and have looked strong while doing so. Signings like Ben Pearson, Ryan Mmaee and Andre Vidigal added quality to their ranks with the Potters now looking well prepared to compete this year.
Despite enjoying a busy window so far, reports haven’t stopped linking Stoke City to further additions and here we look at two players who could realistically sign for the club before deadline day.
Liam Cullen
The Swansea City striker was said to have interest from both Stoke City and Hull City, but with Hull City boss Liam Rosenior playing down his side’s interest, it could leave the door open for the Potters to make their move.
Cullen, 24, managed eight league goals last season in 29 outings making it his most successful senior campaign to date. He can play on either flank as well as centrally and he has now entered the final year of his Swans contract.
He would be a solid addition to Stoke City’s side and if featuring regularly it wouldn’t be surprising to see last season’s tally beaten this time around.
Mehdi Leris
The Sampdoria wide man has been linked with a move to Stoke City this month.
Last season he played 32 games in Serie A, but struggled to back that up with goal contributions. The 25-year-old is currently an Algerian international and he is a decent player, but Neil would have to find a way to get more goals and assists out of him if he were to be a success should he make the move to England this summer.
It would be an exciting capture though and one that would bolster Neil’s squad this season.
