Stoke City will be looking to climb the table following their disappointing 18th-place finish last term, their lowest since their return to the Championship in 2018/19. With Mark Robins at the helm, SCFC fans will be hopeful of a change in fortune, which can be backed up by their impressive business so far this summer transfer window.
The Potters aren’t done yet though, with another deal on the cards.
Stoke City have won the race to secure the services of highly sought-after Spurs attacker Jamie Donley on a season’s loan deal, according t a report from football.london.
Off the back of a fruitful loan spell in League One with Leyton Orient, SCFC are set to play their part in the next steps of the 20-year-old’s career.
Donley was one of the stars of League One last term, impressing as a key player at Leyton Orient as they reached the play-offs. His quality and versatility proved crucial is Orient’s surge up the league table, something Stoke City will be hoping can be replicated in the second tier.
Stoke City-bound Donley has been a standout across Spurs’ youth sides, contributing towards the club’s Premier League 2 triumph in the 2023/24 campaign.
Across their title-winning season, Donley netted six times and provided 14 assists in 20 appearances.
Jamie Donley’s career stats by club – via Transfermarkt
Club Appearances Goals Assists Spurs U18s 40 26 10 Spurs U21s 50 11 20 Leyton Orient 52 8 11
The Leyton Orient stint was the 20-year-old’s first loan move away from the Premier League outfit, though his impressive goal contributing form continued, as he scored eight goals and assisted 11 for the play-off finalists.
Whilst with Orient, the majority of his minutes came from an attacking midfield role, though his qualities allow him to play further forward as a striker or even out wide.
Where will Jamie Donley fit at Stoke City?
Donley’s aforementioned versatility could aid his chances of featuring within the Stoke City side on a regular basis, as the Potters possess a greater level of talent in attacking areas than his previous club.
SCFC have added a further three attacking options to their squad so far this summer transfer window, by way of winger Sorba Thomas and striker duo Robert Bozenik and Divin Mubama.
Bae Jun-ho provides the competition for the Northern Irishman in the attacking midfield role, with Million Manhoef also an option.
Potters’ fans will hope that Donley’s contributions in League One can be translated to the second tier, aiding both club and player. The next step in the youngsters career is crucial for his development, therefore he too, will be hoping that Stoke City is the correct fit.