As Stoke City navigates through another Championship season under the management of Steven Schumacher, the spotlight turns to several players aged 23 and above whose contracts are set to expire at the conclusion of the 2023–24 season. The potential departure of these players could impact the squad dynamics as the team strives for improvement following a disappointing 16th-place finish in the previous campaign under former manager Alex Neil.
Wesley Moraes, who arrived at Stoke from Aston Villa on a one-year contract last summer, is among those facing an uncertain future. While he initially made a positive impact, the Brazilian striker has struggled to find the back of the net consistently, prompting discussions about his continuation at the club.
Tyrese Campbell, a key figure and academy graduate, faces the end of his contract this summer with no option for a 12-month extension. As he turns 24, his future with the Potters remains uncertain, and Stoke will need to decide whether to secure his services beyond the upcoming summer.
Jordan Thompson, a Northern Irishman in his fifth season with Stoke, has been a significant presence in the squad. However, with his contract expiring in the summer, there is a risk of losing him for free if a new agreement is not reached before then. Schumacher, the new head coach, will likely assess Thompson’s contributions in the coming weeks.
Enda Stevens, an experienced Irishman who joined Stoke from Sheffield United last summer, may find himself at a crossroads as his contract approaches its conclusion. If no extension is agreed upon before the end of the season, or if he seeks a new challenge, Stevens could spend just one year with the team.
Dwight Gayle, who joined Stoke in the summer of 2022, faces an uncertain future after a challenging first year with the club. Falling down the pecking order, the striker may be seeking a new club in 2024.
Ciaran Clark, another player who arrived at Stoke from Newcastle United, signed a contract until the end of the season in October. The veteran defender has had limited appearances and is likely to depart when his contract expires in the summer.
With the January transfer window looming, the possibility of these players signing pre-contract agreements with other clubs adds a layer of complexity to Stoke’s planning for the future. As the team continues its journey in the Championship, decisions about contract extensions and potential new signings will play a crucial role in shaping Stoke City’s squad for the seasons ahead.
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