Stoke City

Image source, Getty Images

With less than than two weeks to go, Stoke City's preparations for the new Championship season are a "joy to be part of", says goalkeeper Viktor Johansson.

The Sweden international has been getting to know the club's new arrivals this summer and says the six recruits - strikers Robert Bozenik and Divin Mubama, winger Sorba Thomas and defenders Aaron Cresswell, Ashley Phillips and Maksym Talovierov - have settled in well.

"The new boys have fitted right in and it's got that family feel - it's a joy to come in every day," Johansson told BBC Radio Stoke.

"You can see the new connections starting to feel and it's a nice feeling.

"Of course it takes a bit of time but it's what you do. You speak about things - 'what do I think', 'what do I do?' - this group want to know everyone's story and when you get to know a person you can speak about everything.

"We've got to that stage where, if I need to say something, I can say it to anyone and I think that's what you want as a football club - that openness."

Having drawn 1-1 with Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers in a friendly at the weekend, Stoke take on another top-flight opponent, Burnley, in their final warm-up match on Saturday.

Johansson says he is starting to "see glimpses" of the things they have been working on with boss Mark Robins in their play as they start to focus on their opening game of the new season, at home to Derby County on 9 August.

"It's a great squad and one of the best changing rooms I've been in," he said.

"Everybody wants the same thing."

Stockport County are in talks with Stoke City over English forward Nathan Lowe after the 19-year-old impressed in a loan spell at Walsall in League Two last season. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Tuesday's gossip column here.

Stoke City manager Mark Robins said Bosun Lawal could feature in a number of positions during the upcoming Championship campaign after an injury-hit debut season with the side.

The Irishman joined the Potters in August 2024 but was sidelined for much of the season with a back injury, playing just seven Championship games.

But the versatile Lawal, who can play in defence or midfield, is keen to make a bigger impact this campaign and his performances in pre-season are certainly catching the eye of his boss.

"There's bits and pieces where [Lawal] looks fantastic at times," Robins told BBC Radio Stoke following the 1-1 friendly draw with Premier League side Wolves on Saturday.

"His feet are brilliant. He looked like [Franz] Beckenbauer, coming out with the ball as well.

"He can play anywhere with the feet that he's got. They are quite soft and he's got a really good touch. He can finish, as you saw on Wednesday evening [when he scored in the 2-1 victory over Crewe Alexandra].

"He's worked his socks off this pre-season and gives himself every chance. His build and his qualities make him a welcome addition to the squad."

Listen to the full post-match interview with Mark Robins and more on BBC Sounds.

"I'm very excited with what's to come.

"I'm looking forward to bringing energy, physicality, goals and some heavy hits."

Stoke City midfielder Bosun Lawal tells BBC Radio Stoke he is ready to start the upcoming season after an injury-curtailed 2024-25 campaign.

Listen to the full interview and more on Stoke City on BBC Sounds.

Image source, Rex Features

Stoke City forward Million Manhoef says he "can't wait to get rocking" this season and is confident the Potters are building a squad capable of improving on a disappointing 2024-25.

Given Stoke only secured their Championship status on the final day last season, finishing two points above the relegation zone, that should not be too difficult.

But, heading into an eighth straight season in the second tier, Stoke fans will feel a sustained challenge for promotion back to the Premier League is very overdue.

"For the team, the ambition is always to aim as high as possible," Manhoef told BBC Radio Stoke.

"We've had some hard years but we want to finish as high as we can, of course, and we are building a team that can do that."

Four players have come in so far this summer - former West Ham left-back Aaron Cresswell, Wales winger Sorba Thomas, on-loan Manchester City striker Divin Mubama and defender Maksym Talovierov.

And Manhoef, who is now back with Stoke after playing in the European Under-21 Championship with the Netherlands, says the vibe at the club is optimistic.

"You are always confident, and last year was the same, but now we have a more stable group with not so many changes," he said.

"When the patterns are right and the structure is right the players can get a new level and that's what the coaches are trying to do - getting people to shine.

"If everything goes how we want it then I can get high eyes and we'll see where we end up.

"It's quite early to say what our ambitions are but we want a better season than last year. I love playing at the bet365 [stadium] and I can't wait to get rocking."

PSV look set to win the race for Stoke City and England under-18s midfielder Sol Sidibe, 18, who has also attracted the interest of Lille and an unnamed Premier League club. (Sky Sports, external)

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Monday's gossip column here.

Stoke, Derby and Wrexham are among the clubs interested in former Hull City defender John Egan, 32. (Pete O'Rourke, external)

Former Potters defender Lyndon Gooch, 29, is close to completing a free transfer to Huddersfield. (Pete O'Rourke, external)

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Tuesday's gossip column here.

Stoke midfielder, Sol Sidibe, 18, an England youth international, is attracting the interest of Ligue 1 side Lille. (Stoke Sentinel, external)

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Wednesday's gossip column here.

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke City have appointed Sam Stockley as their new academy manager.

The ex-Port Vale, Colchester and Barnet full-back has been working in the United States as sporting director at Lexington Sporting Club for the past four years.

Stockley made more than 500 appearances during his playing career in England that also featured spells at Wycombe, Blackpool, Oxford and Southampton.

The 47-year-old has been working in coaching in the USA for 10 years and replaces Gareth Owen who has moved into the position of academy technical director at Stoke.

Stoke City have entered advanced talks to sign Plymouth Argyle and Ukraine defender Maksym Talovierov, 25. (Football Insider), external

The Pilgrims are in advanced discussions of their own with Norwich City goalkeeper Archie Mair, 24, following the conclusion of his contract at Carrow Road. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Tuesday's gossip column here.

The EFL fixture list is out and we know you are bursting to know what you've got to look forward to - or dread - from your team this upcoming season.

Here are some key dates to put in your diary:

• 9 August 2025 - v Derby County (H)

• 16 August 2025 - v Sheffield Wednesday (A)

• 8 November 2025 - Coventry City (H)

• 26 December 2025 - v Preston North End (H)

• 1 January 2026 - v Hull City (A)

• 2 May 2026 - v Bristol City (A)

See Stoke City's full fixture list here.