Players I’ve forgotten about return to their clubs who’ve been relegated from the Premier League. Stoke City accomplished shockers in some transfer windows, who of them are back and worthy of a mention?
Stoke City was the last team at the start of last season I thought would be playing EFL Championship ball. However, loyalty put them where they are now. The Potters evidently stayed too long with ex-manager, Mark Hughes and paid the ultimate price of demotion.
A string of poor, poor performances was what sealed Hughes’ fate but what started the end to his reign, is losing key players who helped them effortlessly, in previous campaigns. The first name that pops to mind was pocket rocket, Bojan. A player who surprised by going abroad, but his performances was too inconsistent for the manager on two separate loan spells.
Bojan and Giannelli Imbula are scheduled to return from loan spells to be with Stoke from Wednesday, June 27 and the first day of pre-season training but Marc Muniesa is staying at Girona, where he is expected to agree a three-year deal. pic.twitter.com/5KMGkjsfMd
— Stoke Loud & Proud (@StokeLoudProud) June 7, 2018
Of the trio coming back, the other players were not as influential to Stoke as the former mentioned. Giannelli Imbula, the Frenchman returns from a loan spell at Toulouse FC. The side ended 18th in Ligue 1. Much like Stoke they were poor to say the least.
The last of them, Marc Muniesa. He will not be returning to the cold windy days, as reports suggests. He is set to sign a permanent deal, extending his stay at Girona to another three years. The former change of scenery came with despair. He featured 13 times for Spanish side, Alaves.
Gary Rowett will be open-minded but ruthless with players like Giannelli Imbula and Bojan who must prove a point at Stoke City
— Stoke Loud & Proud (@StokeLoudProud) June 10, 2018
(Sentinel) pic.twitter.com/5V5R2L0n2Q
What will happen to those returning?
Stoke will have to try their best in keeping their best at the club. The players themselves should all feel responsible for their doings and make amends to the Potters. Should they stay, or should they leave?
None of the loanee players has impressed during their spells away from home. This is actually best suited for all involved. If Stoke, under new management has a quest to return almost immediately to The Top Flight and the players are in search of reboot to their faded, unfulfilled careers. This would be that turn around, calling card.
Screamer alert!
— GOAL (@goal) January 20, 2018
Giannelli Imbula - on loan at Toulouse from Stoke City - found the back of the net in some style against Montpellier. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/qA3jfPl4Td
If they all are willing to put in the work, they might just get what they want. The club has issued a stay card for Bojan, in a bid they will convince him to remain in a lower league, saying he will shine in the Championship and be one of the best in it. He should take this opportunity.
Giannelli Imbula will also be wanted to stay by Stoke. He too has something to prove and must do it in new era under Rowett. If Joe Allen stays at the club, along with Imbula and Bojan, they could get out of the second-tier with only a season spared.