Steven Schumacher is eager to fortify his team even more following the recent signings of three players during the offseason.

Stoke City wasted no time in securing Viktor Johansson, Ben Gibson, and Eric Bocat before the start of pre-season training at Clayton Wood on Monday.

Furthermore, there is a possibility of player departures as the club has reportedly begun fielding inquiries amidst the increased transfer activity in the league. While these initial signings have set a positive tone, Schumacher acknowledges that there is still work to be done, particularly in reinforcing the forward line.

Speaking on the ongoing recruitment process, Schumacher emphasized, “Recruitment is progressing steadily. We have several irons in the fire, but like everyone else, we continue to actively pursue targets. Securing deals can be a gradual process, especially in the competitive Championship, but we are far from finished.”

Compared to the previous season, Stoke’s senior squad appears to be in better shape at this stage, with signings already in place before the summer transfer window. However, the team management must consider midfielder Ben Pearson’s long-term injury and anticipate the delayed return of Ryan Mmaee, who is expected to regain fitness only in the final week of pre-season.

The current Stoke City squad consists of a mix of experienced players and promising talents, with notable additions across various positions. As Schumacher and sporting director Jon Walters continue to work on strengthening the team, the focus remains on building a competitive and resilient squad for the upcoming season.