Kasey McAteer signs: How Stoke City’s dream 2025 January transfer window may look
Stoke City look to be on the right track under new boss Narcis Pelach, and while he was not able to affect any previous transfer dealings, he is set to get the first chance to alter his squad in the January window.
Pelach was not involved in any of the club’s transfers over the summer, as he was only appointed as head coach in September after Steven Schumacher was relieved of his duties just five games into the campaign.
As a result, the Spaniard will likely want to change up his squad with some incomings and outgoings in the new year, as well as retaining some of his key men, which will be easier, or tougher, dependent on the Potters’ league position and form at the time.
Stoke do not need to do a lot of business, after 10 new signings in the summer and a lot of exits, but they will still be active in the transfer market, and with that in mind, Football League World have outlined what a dream January window could look like for the Potters.
Million Manhoef stays
Million Manhoef has been one of Stoke’s key players since his January arrival from Eredivisie outfit Vitesse, and it is imperative that they keep him in January and fend off any likely transfer interest from other clubs.
Manhoef quickly became one of the Potters’, and the Championship’s, most exciting wingers in 2023/24 as he registered four goals and an assist in 14 games and played a key role in their eventually successful bid to avoid relegation to League One, and his performances have seemingly gone up another level this term after he attracted transfer interest throughout the summer.
Stoke were not set to let him depart easily, though, and reports stated that the Potters wanted upwards of £10m for his services amid apparent interest from Leeds United, so his form from the start of this campaign could well mean more interest is likely.
Pelach will hope that Stoke do not cave to any interest, which is unlikely given the potential price tag and his importance to the team, but is impossible to rule out, especially if he continues to shine up to the turn of the year.
Kasey McAteer joins
It will have come as a surprise to see Leicester City winger Kasey McAteer stay with the Foxes beyond the summer, and even more so considering his lack of game time in the Premier League this season.
Republic of Ireland international McAteer was heavily linked with loan moves to the likes of Cardiff City and Hull City throughout the last transfer window after being a key part of Leicester’s 2023/24 Championship title-winning campaign, but didn’t end up departing the King Power Stadium and so has been largely restricted to fleeting substitute appearances under new boss Steve Cooper this term.
