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Stoke City got their 2025/26 Championship campaign off to the perfect start with a 3-1 win over Derby County at the bet365 Stadium.
The Potters were lucky to escape the drop last season, with Stoke only confirming their Championship status on the final day of the last campaign.
While there were fears that Stoke may once again be involved in a relegation battle for the upcoming season, those concerns were eased following the performance and result against Derby County.
However, fans and manager Mark Robins will feel there is still room for further recruitment to strengthen the side, and if they acquire the correct players, perhaps they can stage an unlikely bid for promotion to return to the Premier League after their last appearance in the division in 2018.
EFL Analysis brings you five signings Stoke City should make ahead of the closure of the market in September.
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Tomas Rigo
Stoke City have been chasing this deal for a sustained period of time over the summer, with the Potters rumoured to be close to making a £3 million deal with Banik Ostrava.
The 23-year-old has spoken previously about how he enjoys playing fast, expansive, attacking football. He’s a player who is able to dictate the flow of the game and form the bridge between defence and attack, an important piece of any modern football team.
Tomas Rigo would be a great signing to add to the squad, as he could learn from recent signing Stephen N’Zonzi while also being used in a more advanced position in the Stoke midfield.
Pairing Rigo and Donley would be a scary proposition, with both demonstrating great creative ability.
Matthew Ryan
Now, the need to sign Matthew Ryan would mean that the club have suffered the loss of Viktor Johansson, with the keeper having been previously linked to a move to the Premier League.
Ryan would be a short-term solution to this gap that could happen if Johansson leaves, with the Australian international being a perfect replacement.
The 33-year-old has played across Europe in the top flights in France, England and Spain, meaning he will bring incredible experience and ability to the Stoke City team.
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Luis Suarez
Stoke City’s forward line does not have anyone that would strike fear into an opposition, with Divin Mubama not having had much senior experience and Sam Gallagher proving to be an adequate player at this level.
The Potters should be willing to take a risk on a player who has proven to be a clinical striker, as he finished as the top goal scorer in the Segunda Division with 27 goals from a club that finished sixth and has international pedigree, having represented Colombia on four occasions.
It would not be an expensive deal to sign the Colombian from his current club, Almeria.
Fabio Borini
The Italian international would be a versatile option for Stoke City, being able to play on the wing or up top, with the player entering the twilight of his career.
This may make him a good option to have as a squad player, with Mark Robins needing to add depth to his squad, but by doing so with talent.
Borini is currently a free agent and would potentially be a cheap option, having last been seen playing his club football at Sampdoria in Serie B.
Josh Dasilva
The former Brentford midfielder is out of contract after the London club decided not to extend his deal at the end of the season.
Josh Dasilva has proven that he is of the quality to compete in the Premier League; however, it is Championship sides that are monitoring his current situation, with QPR rumoured to be interested.
Stoke City are clearly looking to strengthen in midfield, and with Dasilva being a cheap option with proven quality, he is one they should explore.