Stoke City is making waves in the January transfer window, and the club’s goalkeeping situation has become the talk of the Championship. Just days after Viktor Johansson, Stoke’s player of the season, underwent shoulder surgery, manager Mark Robins has moved swiftly to steady the ship between the posts. The sudden loss of Johansson—who was instrumental for the Potters until his injury last week—forced Stoke to rethink their transfer strategy as they prepare for a pivotal second half of the 2025-2026 campaign.
Robins wasted no time in addressing the vacuum left by Johansson. He recalled Tommy Simkin from his loan stint at Leyton Orient, thrusting the young England youth international into the starting lineup. And what a return it’s been! Simkin has responded with three consecutive clean sheets, a remarkable feat that has boosted confidence among fans and the squad alike. “Tommy has stepped up brilliantly,” said Robins, according to club sources. “He’s shown maturity beyond his years and given us stability at a crucial time.”
But the story doesn’t end there. The Potters are reportedly on the verge of securing a loan deal for Republic of Ireland international Gavin Bazunu from Southampton. The move is a direct consequence of Southampton’s recent acquisition of Dan Peretz on loan from Bayern Munich, which has made Bazunu available. Should the deal go through, Stoke’s goalkeeping department will be one of the most competitive in the league, with Simkin, Bazunu, and a number of experienced hands all vying for the number one shirt.
One such experienced figure is Jack Bonham, now 32, who has been with Stoke since 2021. Bonham boasts 65 appearances for the club, making him the joint longest-serving player alongside captain Ben Wilmot. However, Bonham has not featured in a Championship match since February 2024, and the arrival of both Simkin and potentially Bazunu could push him further down the pecking order. With his contract set to expire in the summer and interest mounting from ambitious League One sides, Bonham’s future at the bet365 Stadium is shrouded in uncertainty.
The shifting sands in Stoke’s goalkeeper ranks are not happening in isolation. Frankie Fielding and True Grant, both under contract, add further depth to the squad, but the club’s recent moves suggest a significant overhaul is underway. The management’s focus is clear: reinforce the squad to overcome injury setbacks and mount a serious challenge for the remainder of the season. “We’re working hard to ensure we have the right balance and competition in every position,” Robins noted in a recent statement. “The transfer window is an opportunity to strengthen, and we won’t hesitate to make the moves we feel are necessary.”
Meanwhile, the ripple effects of this transfer activity are being felt beyond Stoke-on-Trent. Over at Bolton Wanderers, the goalkeeper carousel is spinning at full speed. Chelsea’s decision to recall Teddy Sharman-Lowe from his loan at Bolton—just a day after he started in a Vertu Trophy defeat to Port Vale—has left the Whites scrambling for reinforcements. Sharman-Lowe, who impressed last season on loan at Doncaster Rovers by helping them secure promotion from League Two, struggled with consistency at Bolton. His dropping from the starting XI on New Year’s Day, following a string of high-profile errors, prompted Chelsea to act swiftly.
Bolton’s goalkeeping woes didn’t end there. Tyler Miller, who started the first three games of 2026, has announced his immediate departure, citing family reasons for his return to the United States. The club has yet to comment publicly on Miller’s exit, but sources suggest they are moving fast to bring in two permanent replacements before their upcoming clash with Wigan Athletic on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Among the names linked with a move to the Toughsheet are Stoke’s own Jack Bonham and Fleetwood Town’s Wales international David Harrington. Should Bonham make the switch, it would mark the end of a significant chapter at Stoke, where he has been a reliable presence since joining in 2021. For Bolton, the signing of Bonham or Harrington would provide much-needed experience and stability as they look to steady their own ship in the wake of recent upheaval.
Back at Stoke, the club is leaving no stone unturned in keeping supporters informed during this period of intense activity. Fans are encouraged to join the club’s dedicated WhatsApp group for instant updates and subscribe to the Stoke-on-TrentLive daily newsletter, which captures all the essential news and developments. The Stoke-on-TrentLive app also allows supporters to tailor their content, ensuring they never miss a beat as the transfer drama unfolds.
Looking at the bigger picture, these moves highlight just how vital the January transfer window is for clubs fighting on multiple fronts. Injuries, contract situations, and the relentless pace of the Championship mean that adaptability is key. For Stoke City, the loss of Johansson could have spelled disaster, but the emergence of Simkin and the potential arrival of Bazunu have given the club fresh impetus. The coming weeks will test the resolve of Robins and his staff as they seek to integrate new faces and maintain momentum.
As for Bonham, his next move will be watched closely by fans and pundits alike. With 65 appearances under his belt and a reputation for professionalism, he remains a valuable asset—whether at Stoke or elsewhere. “Jack’s been a great servant to the club,” said a source close to the team. “Whatever happens next, he’ll have plenty of suitors and will be remembered fondly by the fans.”
Elsewhere, the situation with Teddy Sharman-Lowe remains unresolved. While his recall to Chelsea has left a gap at Bolton, it’s not yet clear whether he’ll be loaned out again for the second half of the season. His six clean sheets in 23 appearances for the Whites show there’s talent to be harnessed, but consistency will be key if he’s to establish himself at the next level.
As the January window continues to deliver twists and turns, one thing’s for sure: the goalkeeper market is hotter than ever, and the decisions made in the coming days could shape the fortunes of several clubs for the rest of the campaign. Stoke City’s proactive approach, combined with the resilience shown by their young talent, has given fans plenty to cheer about—even in the face of adversity. The next chapter promises to be just as eventful.
