Miyoshi signs: Stoke City should secure these 3 shrewd transfers before August 30th | OneFootball

This is a solid trio of players that the Potters should be at least taking a look at this summer.

The 2024/25 campaign isn't one that is likely to bring any major achievements or trophies to Stoke City and the bet365 Stadium.

Last year's summer transfer window was lauded by many to be a good one for the Potters, who brought in the likes of Wouter Burger, Jun-Hoe Bae, Chiquinho and more. It didn't work how many would have hoped.

Alex Neil quickly found himself without a job, and Steven Schumacher was brought in. Things ended up becoming a bit too close for comfort when they edged towards the relegation zone at the end of the season, but they managed to steady themselves in time.

Schumacher has already shown a willingness to invest in players that he knows already, like Nial Ennis. The pair won promotion together at their old club, Plymouth Argyle.

But, with the millions that Stoke should have to spend, considering the wealth of their owners, Schumacher will probably look slightly further afield this time round.

With that being said, a clever deal should never be turned down, regardless of the wealth or stature of the person, or club, in this case, doing it.

These three players present an opportunity for Stoke to be calculated in their dealings.

Devante Cole

To say that City were lacking up front last season would be an understatement. They were one of the lowest scoring teams in the league, with their own top scorer, Andre Vidigal, only reaching the half-a-dozen mark.

Devante Cole has been a consistent net-finder in the division below for a few seasons now. He's set to officially become a free agent at the start of next month, and Stoke should certainly have him on their list of players to watch.

Doubts would rightfully be had over his lack of a proven record in the Championship. However, his instinctive finishing ability combined with his frame could make him a very useful weapon.

Koji Miyoshi

Clubs in Stoke's position should always look to be the predator in the transfer market, especially towards teams that went down. Recruiting from relegated sides doesn't sound great, but teams like Birmingham City have players that are good enough for the second tier and may push to leave.

The Japanese winger would further strengthen the Potters' attack, and they may be able to get a good deal for him given the league that he now finds himself playing in, if there is a desire on his side to leave St Andrew's.

Ange Ahoussou

If Stoke aren't going to be one of the clubs that are up their challenging for promotion to the Premier League, they need to be one of the teams that are finding players that can benefit them on the pitch, get them higher up the league, and then be sold to the highest bidder.

They aren't necessarily in need of money, but it's a good way of generating a steady cash flow.

Defensive options are short at the moment for Schumacher. Ange Ahoussou - a defensively sound, competent on the ball centre-back - could not only prove to be solid business for City in the short-term, but he has the potential to be a real multi-faceted asset in the long run.

The 20-year-old plays for Pau FC in Ligue 2. He is comfortable playing the ball through the lines, and is one of the best in his position, outside of Europe's top five leagues, in some of the most key defensive categories, like blocks, interceptions and tackles, as per FBRef.

These characteristics are what all the top teams of today are trying to find in centre-halves. Signing him would certainly be shrewd business.