Stoke City are now into the final fortnight of what has already proven to be an interesting summer transfer window that has given Mark Robins major new options for his starting XI.
Stoke have made nine signings so far, with Sorba Thomas, Aaron Cresswell and Divin Mubama starting the first two league games and Ashley Phillips, Jamie Donley and Robert Bozenik coming off the bench as they build up fitness and sharpness.
Lamine Cisse and Maksym Talovierov are waiting to come into the equation due to injury and Steven Nzonzi is working towards the green light for his second debut.
Wouter Burger and Sol Sidibe have been sold to fund that business and perhaps leave a little bit of scope for remaining work leading up to the deadline at 7pm on Monday, September 1. Stoke still have two loan spots remaining as well if needed.
Other squad rules to remember include the EFL’s club-developed player demand. Stoke must include at least one player in their match day squad who has been registered with them for a year before the end of their under-19 season. Tommy Simkin, Nathan Lowe and Emre Tezgel are already out on loan so Will Smith and Jaden Mears are currently flying that flag.
Robins and sporting director Jon Walters have spoken about pretty much having two players for each position, but there is versatility to be taken into account too.