Steven Schumacher will be aiming for a busy first summer window in charge of Stoke City as he seeks to construct a club capable of competing for the play-offs. Steven Schumacher was appointed manager of Stoke City in December, and it’s fair to say he’s had a turbulent first six months in charge.
Having inherited a team that was suffering near the bottom of the Championship, only three points above the relegation zone, the immediate objective was to keep the club in the second division.
While there were some nerve-racking moments, and the Potters had some dismal results at times, Schumacher eventually kept the team in the league.
Furthermore, three consecutive victories to conclude the season have Stoke fans enthusiastic about what the future holds, having seen a glimpse of the type of football that Schumacher hopes to bring to the bet365 Stadium.
The former Plymouth manager was always going to need time to communicate his views, and the first summer transfer window was always going to be crucial.
So, you can bet Schumacher has huge ambitions, and we know the Coates family will do everything they can to support the new CEO, as they have done in the past.
Therefore, an intriguing summer beckons, and here we look at TWO situations that Schumacher will be praying to come true.
Ki-Jana Hoever returns to Stoke City
Overall, Stoke had a dismal season, although Ki-Jana Hoever stood out as an on-loan right wing-back, impressing in his second stay from Wolves.
Including the second half of last season, Hoever has made 55 Championship appearances for Stoke, scoring eight goals and providing six assists.
That sums up his attacking talent, and he is a player who is improving defensively, with his athleticism making him a continuous threat down the flank.
He was particularly impressive near the end of the season, and Schumacher’s frequent selection demonstrates that he is a fan.
As a result, attention must shift to bringing Hoever back, which must be something the boss is pressing for. Wolves have Nelson Semedo and Matt Doherty on their books, and they are also keeping an eye on Braga’s Rodrigo Gomes, so Hoever will struggle to find playing time at Molineux.
Whether a permanent deal can be agreed remains to be seen, but Hoever appears to be enjoying his playing at Stoke, and a return would appear to benefit all sides as the ex-Liverpool youth seeks a stable club to fulfill his potential.
Jake Clarke-Salter joins
There’s no doubt that this would be a huge coup, but Stoke are reportedly interested in Jake Clarke-Salter following his fantastic season with QPR, despite the fact that they will be competing in the Premier League.
The ex-Chelsea teenager has everything Schumacher looks for in a centre-back, including the pace to play a high line and the ability to be comfortable in possession, which might be critical to the manager successfully changing the style of play.
Again, a deal will not be easy, but it is quite positive for Stoke that they are looking for a player rated between £5 million and £7 million, so it would be a show of purpose.
Bringing in defense reinforcements was always going to be a priority, and Clarke-Salter would be an improvement over what Stoke currently have.
The goal for the club is to return to the Premier League, and this is the type of player that would help with that.
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