Stoke City is currently battling to retain its Championship status, sitting precariously in 20th place, just one point above the relegation zone, as key players may soon be heading for the exit. In this tense atmosphere, Stoke faces significant challenges retaining their standout goalkeeper, Viktor Johansson, who's reportedly drawing interest from Premier League side AFC Bournemouth.
Johansson, who joined Stoke from Rotherham United for an initial £750,000—potentially rising to over £1 million with add-ons—has established himself as one of the most reliable shot-stoppers in the Championship this season. Currently, Johansson boasts impressive statistics: he has a save percentage of 72.3%, accumulated a total of 133 saves, and kept 11 clean sheets. His expected goals prevented is rated 10.8, placing him among the best in the league this season.
As the current season unfolds, Johansson has become the heartbeat of the Potters' defense, consistently bailing out his teammates from sticky situations. With relegation looming, his performances have not gone unnoticed, and both AFC Bournemouth and Serie A side Como have reportedly shown interest in acquiring his services. Stoke managed to fend off interest in January, but with the summer window approaching, securing Johansson might be a daunting task.
“It’s really vital for us to keep hold of Viktor,” one club source commented, reflecting the concerns within the team. “He’s been our best player and losing him could be catastrophic.” As pressure mounts, the club is also optimistic that Johansson’s contract, which runs until 2027, will allow them to demand a significant fee, should he depart.
On another front, Stoke's forward Ali Al-Hamadi is also facing a key moment in his season. Signed on loan from Ipswich Town in January 2025, Al-Hamadi has shown glimpses of his talent, scoring twice—including a match-winner against Blackburn. However, he has struggled with injury challenges and was recently medically assessed to be sidelined for a month, forcing him to miss out on Iraq's upcoming international fixtures against Kuwait and Palestine.
Stoke City Manager Mark Robins has urged Al-Hamadi to focus on his recovery, stressing the importance of him being at his best. He commented, “You could see that he wasn't as sharp as he is normally. Ali's fighting against the tide really; he needs to just forget about that and concentrate on being as sharp as he possibly can in the games.” Robins recognizes the precariousness of the situation, emphasizing the need to manage Al-Hamadi's minutes to prevent further injury.
In a recent match against Millwall, Al-Hamadi was replaced by Sam Gallagher after he showed signs of struggling early on. Completing only 63 minutes, he illustrated how pressing the situation is for Stoke, which must tread carefully with player fitness as they push to avoid relegation. Al-Hamadi's absence will undoubtedly impact the team as they look to navigate potential relegation threats with just eight games remaining.
Stoke City will now need other players to step up in Al-Hamadi's absence. Nathan Lowe, fresh from a successful loan to Walsall where he scored 15 goals in 22 appearances, could become a crucial asset for the Potters in the closing matches of the season. Lowe made an impression in his limited appearances for Stoke and will be eager to prove himself further as the pressure mounts.
With three of their remaining eight fixtures against direct relegation rivals—Luton, Cardiff City, and Derby—Stoke's path to safety is fraught with challenges. The Potters’ ability to secure vital points in these matches could decide their fate in the league, raising the stakes further. As the season stretches out ahead, every single match becomes pivotal in their struggle against potential relegation to League One.
Stoke’s management has been vocal about the necessity to maintain focus and ensure that their best players are fit as the team strives for survival. The situation for Stoke City is dire, yet a combination of player resilience and tactical acumen from the management could steer the team clear of relegation threats as they approach the season's finish line.
