Stoke City haven’t been letting the dust settle in close season. Clayton Wood has been a hive of activity in preparation for Steven Schumacher’s first pre-season as head coach, Lee Darnbrough’s first transfer window as head of recruitment and Jon Walters’ first year as sporting director.
There have been two first team signings. Viktor Johansson was the first through the door. The 25-year-old goalkeeper is joining from Rotherham United after Stoke triggered a relegation release clause. Ben Gibson followed. The 31-year-old centre-back had just helped Norwich reach the Championship play-offs.
Stoke have lost five players from the starting XI which won the final three games of the season just finished but that seems like two big holes filled down the spine before the transfer window has even officially opened.
But what tops the in-tray in Schumacher’s office? What is on Walters’ to-do list? What does Darnbrough need to tick off before the big Championship kick off in the second weekend of August? Here is a look at the key priorities for Stoke City as they plot their business.
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