Stoke City in contract 'discussions' with soon-to-be free agent as club shares update

06/05/2024 10:35

Stoke City are in talks with Enda Stevens over a potential new contract extension, as detailed on their official club website.

Stoke City are holding negotiations with the left-back over the possibility of staying put ahead of next season. Steven Schumacher’s side finished this past campaign in 17th place and six points above the drop zone.

Stevens, 33, made the move to Staffordshire last summer on an initial one-year deal following his exit from Sheffield United and has since made 21 appearances in all competitions.

The Potters have confirmed on their website that they are in ‘discussions’ with him over remaining. Tyrese Campbell, Ciaran Clark and Wesley are leaving the Bet365 Stadium, whilst Daniel Iversen, Ki-Jana Hoever, Luke McNally, Luke Cundle and Sead Hakšabanović are going back to their parent clubs following the end of their loans.

Meanwhile, one-year options have been triggered for midfielder Jordan Thompson and goalkeeper Frank Fielding.

Stoke City in contract talks

Stevens injects experience into Stoke City’s ranks and keeping hold of him for another year at least would be a shrewd decision. He has played over 500 games in his career to date.

Although he may not be guaranteed a regular starting spot under Schumacher next term, he would provide strong competition and depth at the back.

The Republic of Ireland international, who has made 26 caps for his country to date, moved over to England as a youngster in 2012 to join Aston Villa after spells at UCD, St Patrick’s Athletic and Shamrock Rovers.

He went on to play nine times for the first-team at Villa Park in his early career, as well as having loan spells away from the Midlands outfit at Notts County, Doncaster Rovers and Northampton Town in the Football League to boost his development.

Portsmouth snapped him up on a permanent basis in 2015 and he spent two years at Fratton Park before Sheffield United came calling.

Stevens was a great servant to the Blades and played 202 matches for them altogether, helping them win promotion to the Premier League twice during his time at Bramall Lane under Chris Wilder and then Paul Heckingbottom.

Stevens to stay at Stoke City?

Stevens arrived at Stoke City last year with some decent pedigree behind him after helping Sheffield United go up.

He was playing in the top flight as recently as 2021 and won’t be ready to hang up his boots just yet and will feel he still has a few more years left in him.

The Potters need players with that know-how in their ranks as they prepare for a full campaign under the guidance of Schumacher. He left Plymouth Argyle to take over from Alex Neil and managed to keep them up.

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