Stoke City Intensifies Pursuit of Goalkeeper Transfer Target
Stoke City is actively pursuing a goalkeeper ahead of the January transfer window, which has shifted due to recent injuries in the squad. The team is facing challenges after losing their player of the season, Viktor Johansson, who recently underwent shoulder surgery.
Current Goalkeeper Situation at Stoke City
In light of Johansson’s injury, Stoke City has altered its strategy in the transfer market. Jack Bonham, the club’s backup keeper, has been drawing interest from various clubs. Since joining Stoke in 2021, Bonham has made a total of 65 appearances, but he has not started a Championship match since February 2024.
Tommy Simkin’s Rise
To fill the void left by Johansson, manager Mark Robins recalled Tommy Simkin from a loan at Leyton Orient. The England youth international has been impressive, managing to keep three consecutive clean sheets in recent matches. This has raised questions about Bonham’s future with the club.
Potential Transfer Targets
- Gavin Bazunu: Stoke City is reportedly closing in on a loan deal for Gavin Bazunu from Southampton. This move comes after Southampton secured Dan Peretz on loan from Bayern Munich, making Bazunu surplus to requirements.
- Interest in Jack Bonham: Bonham, now 32, is the joint longest-serving player at Stoke, alongside captain Ben Wilmot. His contract is set to expire in the summer, and he has attracted attention from clubs in higher leagues, including League One.
With the addition of Bazunu, the goalkeeper department at Stoke will be crowded. The club will need to make critical decisions about their options moving forward as they prepare for a challenging second half of the season.
