Mark Robins did just enough to stave off relegation fears for Stoke City last season, surviving by just a point, but will be hoping for a much improved 2025/2026 campaign.
The summer transfer window rumour mill is well and truly in full flow, with clubs up and down the Sky Bet Championship putting their plans in full motion in the hope of improving their squad and increasing their chances of competing next season.
It’s safe to say The Potters wish to do the same and have officially announced Sorba Thomas as their first arrival, with a number of rumours circulating recently.
While you have the likes of Wrexham and Norwich City who have wasted no time approving deals, slowly becoming teams to be feared come the start of the new league campaign.
StokeonTrentLive has taken a look at some of the latest deals and transfer gossip from around the English second division.
Norwich City ‘reach agreement’ for 5th summer signing
The Canaries have been active to say the least, and Liam Manning is showing no signs of slowing down with reports from Dutch outlets revealing the club have reached a £2.1 million agreement with Ajax for defender Jakov Medic.
He has been at the Eredivisie outfit since August 2023 when he joined from FC St. Pauli.
A centre-back by trade, the 26-year-old can also operate in a defensive midfield role, and will join the likes of Harry Darling, Jacob Wright, Daniel Grimshaw and Louie Molden through the Carrow Road entrance door so far.
Wrexham eye deal for Australian ace
The newcomers to the division have been busy themselves after signing Plymouth Argyle star Ryan Hardie earlier this week—and now Ryan Reynolds and company are reportedly looking at a deal overseas.
Melbourne Victory midfielder Ryan Teague is attracting a host of suitors, but is said to have held talks over a possible move to the Racecourse Ground, according to Graeme Bailey.
At just 23-years-old, Teague has developed well since he arrived from Portuguese side Famalicao in 2020, emerging as one of the A-League’s standout players.
Southampton face competition for promising forward
Premier League’s basement dwellers, the Saints are putting their transfer plans in full motion ahead of a return to the English second division, especially since appointing Will Still as their new manager.
With striker a priority position, the Hampshire side have been said to be chasing Colo-Colo forward Lucas Cepeda and had made an offer, but that didn’t go down so well with the Chile team.
Taka Gazete are now reporting Turkey’s Trabzonspor have submitted a ‘more attractive’ offer for the winger, with Southampton’s plan allegedly involving loaning Cepeda to their sister club Goztepe.
Udinese, River Plate, Bologna and Lyon are all claimed to be in the race for his services as well.
Rob Edwards plotting Luton Town reunion at Middlesbrough
It’s just a matter of time until Boro announce Michael Carrick’s successor and all signs seem to point to former Watford and Luton Town boss Rob Edwards.
According to EFL Analysis, Edwards could possibly be looking at recruiting wing-back Alfie Doughty.
The Englishman played under the soon-to-be Middlesbrough boss during his time at Luton, but arrived at The Hatters from Stoke City in the summer of 2022.
He has since gone on to feature 105 times, scoring six goals and assisting 20 times.
