Optimism was high at the bet365 Stadium heading into the season after a huge influx of signings over the summer, but the Potters made a poor start to the campaign, resulting in the sacking of Alex Neil in December.
Steven Schumacher made the move from Plymouth Argyle to replace Neil, but the 39-year-old initially struggled to turn around the club’s fortunes, and they were dragged into a relegation battle.
However, a run of just one defeat in eight games, including three consecutive victories in their last three games, saw Stoke achieve safety, finishing 17th in the table.
The Potters will be desperate for a much-improved campaign next season, and it is a big summer ahead for Schumacher and technical director Jon Walters as they look to rebuild the squad and change the culture at the club.
With that in mind, we looked at what Stoke’s dream start to the summer transfer window could look like.
In: Jake Clarke-Salter
With the season now concluded, the rumour mill is beginning to gather pace, and one player to be linked with Stoke is Queens Park Rangers defender Jake Clarke-Salter.
According to journalist John Percy, Clarke-Salter is “a top summer target” for the Potters, and it could cost between £5-7 million to land his signature.
Clarke-Salter joined QPR from Chelsea in June 2022, and he played a key role as the R’s secured Championship survival this season under Marti Cifuentes.
Defensive solidity was key to the Hoops’ impressive form in the second half of the season that saw them lose just four of their last 19 league games, and Clarke-Salter was a virtual ever-present during that time.
Striker Ryan Mmaee is one player that Stoke will surely be keen to sell this summer.
Mmaee joined the Potters from Hungarian side Ferencvaros in July for a fee of around £1.75 million, but it is fair to say the move has not worked out.
The 26-year-old was a regular in the first half of the season, but he was sidelined from the first-team and forced to train with the Under-21s in February due to disciplinary reasons.
Schumacher opened up on Mmaee’s situation, telling Stoke-on-Trent Live: “We set out on the first day about the standards we expect at the training ground.
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