Key Points
- Stoke City experienced a near miss in securing a key transfer target during the January 2026 window.
- The player is now subject to a £30m tug of war between competing clubs.
- Stoke’s confirmed ins include Nathan Lowe on loan return and Gavin Bazunu on loan from Southampton.
- Outgoing transfers feature Freddie Anderson on loan to Barrow and Jack Bonham to Bolton Wanderers.
- Latest rumours link Cody Drameh with a move to Stoke, while Eric-Junior Bocat and Sorba Thomas eye exits.
Stoke-on-Trent (Birmingham Express) January 28, 2026 – Stoke City are at the heart of a dramatic £30m transfer battle for a player they nearly signed earlier in the January 2026 window.
The Potters, positioned just outside the Championship play-offs, had high hopes for bolstering their squad to push for Premier League promotion, but limited funds have shaped their activity so far.
What Triggered the Transfer Tug of War?
According to Sports Mole, Stoke City’s January transfers show a net spend of £0m, with incoming loans like Gavin Bazunu from Southampton and Nathan Lowe’s return from Stockport County providing reinforcement without fees.
As reported by Stoke City FC, the club recently snapped up striker Milan Smit on loan from Go Ahead Eagles until the end of the 2025/26 season, highlighting their strategy amid financial constraints.
Football League World details ongoing interest in targets such as Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Anthony Patterson, and Divin Mubama, positioning Stoke in a competitive market for reinforcements.
Which Players Are Fueling Stoke’s Transfer Rumours?
Sports Mole lists Cody Drameh from Hull City as a key incoming rumour, while potential outs include Eric-Junior Bocat to Standard Liege and Sorba Thomas to Bournemouth.
FotMob’s transfer history confirms recent activity like Tomas Rigo’s permanent signing from Banik Ostrava and Sorba Thomas’s earlier arrival from Huddersfield Town.
How Active Has Stoke Been This Window?
Outgoing moves include Freddie Anderson on loan to Barrow and Jack Bonham’s undisclosed transfer to Bolton Wanderers, as per Sports Mole’s roundup.
The January window remains open until February 2, 2026, at 7pm GMT, leaving time for further deals amid the Potters’ promotion push.
What Lies Ahead for Stoke in the Transfer Market?
With the club relying on loans and free transfers following a restricted summer 2025 window, the £30m tug of war underscores heightened interest in their targets.
Stoke’s position outside the play-offs intensifies the need for strategic signings to challenge for automatic promotion.
