BREAKING NEWS: Stoke City is reportedly laying the groundwork for what promises to be a significant summer transfer window. The club is said to be actively working behind the scenes to identify and pursue potential targets that could strengthen the squad ahead of the next season.

Breaking from the bet365 Stadium, Steven Schumacher gears up for the pivotal last 12 matches of the season, aiming to secure Stoke City’s Championship status.

With his attention fixed on the immediate challenges, Steven Schumacher remains cognizant of the looming significance of another significant summer transfer window for Stoke City. The club finds itself embroiled in a fierce battle to ensure their future planning occurs within the confines of the Championship. With 12 matches left in the season, their priority is to distance themselves from the relegation zone, commencing with a home clash against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

The squad has undergone significant changes nearly every year for the past six years, but never to the extent witnessed in the last 12 months, during which a staggering 24 new signings were made. Schumacher anticipates a considerable reduction in activity in the upcoming months, though by different standards, it will still be substantial.

“The significance of making the right decisions cannot be overstated,” stated the head coach. “I don’t foresee a significant overhaul of players like we saw last year. However, it’s imperative that we carefully select players who fit our style of play. We need to ensure we make the correct choices in terms of profile and personality for every individual we aim to recruit.”

At the conclusion of this season, Stoke will see 14 senior players reaching the end of their current contracts, including five loanees such as Tom Edwards, currently at relegation rivals Huddersfield Town, and D’Margio Wright-Phillips, on loan at Beerschot. Among the permanent players, Jordan Thompson and Tyrese Campbell have been notably active in the last four months of their contracts. Meanwhile, those on one-year deals like Enda Stevens, Wesley, and Ciaran Clark have had limited appearances. Additionally, Blondy Nna Noukeu and Frank Fielding will also become free agents.

Even excluding those 14 players, Stoke will still retain 20 individuals who have been part of the first-team setup this season. However, there remains a necessity to achieve a more optimal balance within the squad, a requirement that transcends divisional considerations.