QPR man signs: Steven Schumacher will be on cloud nine if these things happen at Stoke City
Steven Schumacher was named as Stoke City boss back in December and it’s fair to say he has endured a chaotic first six months in the role.
Having inherited a side that were struggling towards the bottom of the Championship, just three points above the relegation zone, the immediate priority was keeping the side in the second tier.
Championship standings 2023/24
Team
P
GD
Pts
17
Stoke City
46
-11
56
18
QPR
46
-11
56
19
Blackburn Rovers
46
-14
53
20
Sheffield Wednesday
46
-24
53
21
Plymouth Argyle
46
-11
51
22
Birmingham City (R)
46
-15
50
23
Huddersfield Town (R)
46
-29
45
24
Rotherham United (R)
46
-52
27
Whilst there were some nervy moments, with the Potters suffering some poor results at times, Schumacher ultimately kept the team in the league.
As well as that, three successive victories to end the campaign means Stoke fans are optimistic about what the future can hold, as they saw a glimpse of the style of football that Schumacher wants to bring to the bet365 Stadium.
The ex-Plymouth chief was always going to need time to get his ideas across, and the first summer transfer window was always going to be important.
So, you can be sure that Schumacher has some big plans, and we know that the Coates family will look to back the new boss in any way they can – as they have done to others over the years.
Therefore, an exciting summer awaits, and here we look at TWO scenarios that Schumacher will be hoping come to fruition…
Ki-Jana Hoever returns to Stoke City
It was a disappointing campaign for Stoke on the whole, but Ki-Jana Hoever was one player who emerged with real credit, with the on-loan right wing-back impressing in his second spell from Wolves.
Taking into account the second half of last season, Hoever has made 55 Championship appearances for Stoke, and during that time he has scored eight goals and registered six assists.
That outlines his attacking ability, and he is a player who continues to improve defensively, with his athleticism making him a constant threat down the flank.
He was particularly impressive towards the end of the season, and Schumacher picking him regularly shows that he is a fan.
Therefore, attention must turn to bringing Hoever back, and it has to be something that the boss is pushing for.
Wolves have Nelson Semedo and Matt Doherty on their books, whilst they are also monitoring Braga’s Rodrigo Gomes, which means Hoever is going to find it hard to get game time at Molineux.
Whether a permanent deal can be reached remains to be seen, but Hoever appears to be enjoying his football at Stoke, and a return would seem to suit all parties, as the ex-Liverpool youngster looks for a settled club to fulfil his potential.
Jake Clarke-Salter joins
There’s no doubt that this would be a real coup, but it has been reported that Stoke are interested in Jake Clarke-Salter after his excellent campaign with QPR, although they will face Premier League competition.
The ex-Chelsea youngster has everything Schumacher wants in a centre-back, as he boasts enough pace to play a high line, and he is also comfortable in possession, which could be key to the boss changing the style of play effectively.
Again, doing a deal won’t be straightforward, but it’s hugely encouraging for Stoke that they’re in the market for a player who is rated in the £5m to £7m range, so it would be a statement of intent.
Bringing in defensive reinforcements was always going to be a priority, and Clarke-Salter would be an upgrade on what Stoke have right now.
The aim for the club is to get back to the Premier League, and this is the sort of signing that would help on that front.
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