In one corner, Carlton Palmer, the former Premier League midfielder turned influential EFL commentator, is emphatically championing the value of Bae Junho to Stoke City. In the opposite corner, the South Korean media, particularly xports, is urging Junho to consider a move away from the club.

The 20-year-old midfielder, who was named Stoke City’s player of the season, appears poised for a standout 2024/25 campaign. His recent achievements include playing a crucial role in South Korea’s run to the under-20 World Cup semi-final, navigating a significant cross-continental transfer, and making strides at the senior international level.

These impressive performances have attracted interest from Feyenoord, who will be competing in the Champions League this season. If Junho continues on his current trajectory, he is likely to attract even more prestigious suitors next summer, potentially increasing his value substantially. However, there’s also a possibility that he might choose to stay if Stoke shows significant progress or if the right offer doesn’t materialize.

Palmer, speaking to FootballLeagueWorld, has asserted that it would take a substantial offer to pry Junho away from Stoke. “He’s on a four-year contract signed last August, and while it’s flattering to have interest from a Champions League club like Feyenoord, Stoke’s stance is clear,” Palmer said. “They have no intention of selling unless an offer exceeds expectations.”

Conversely, Kim Hyun-ki from Xports News is more concerned about the immediate implications for Junho’s career rather than Stoke’s financial position. Hyun-ki’s commentary suggests a sense of urgency for Junho to make a move, emphasizing the need for strategic decisions in the near term.