Stoke City opinion: The Potters have struck gold by signing Lindsay and Gregory
According to reports from English news outlet the BBC, Stoke City have signed five stars, including former Manchester United man Nick Powell for free and Liam Lindsay for a fee of 2m. The list also includes Lee Gregory, goalkeeper Adam Davies and Jordan Cousins for free.
This is a rather stunning coup, with the report also revealing that the Potters have signed Stephen Ward from Burnley. It’s incredible but given the sheer lack of depth at the club, this is something that really should have taken place last season.
But it’s better late than never, and Stoke City have clearly adopted that principle when it comes to their transfer business. However, things cannot end here as the Potters need to add a few more men before the window slams shut.
One look at their teamsheet and it will tell you the entire story. The rumours linking Jack Butland with a move away haven’t stopped and Ryan Shawcross, Geoff Cameron, Charlie Adam and Darren Fletcher are shadows of their former selves.
Things need to change and this is exactly where their new signings will come to help them in the long term. More importantly, it’s where Liam Lindsay and Lee Gregory will prove to be great assets in their battle to return to the Premier League.
Liam Lindsay’s presence will be vital to help shore up their backline. His cool and composed nature makes him a passing outlet when moving forward and he is always reliable with the ball.
But despite all that, it’s his aggression and positional sense that the club needs more. An excellent defender, the 23-year-old knows exactly when to make a move and when not to.
That combined with his physicality, athleticism and massive frame, make him very hard to get past. Lee Gregory, on the other hand, is a consistent and reliable goalscorer in the lower levels, with him creating a niche for himself. The 30-year-old has had a good season, finishing his season with 12 goals and 7 assists.
Barring Afobe, Joe Allen and Tom Ince netted six, and one of Stoke City’s record signings Sadio Berahino had just three. A Championship and League One striker for most of his career so far, Gregory has consistently hit double figures over the course of his career.
His best tally came in the League One during the 2015/16 season, where he netted 23 goals and created a further 6 more. But since then, Lee Gregory has managed to score a minimum of 10 goals in the second-tier, which is more than what any Stoke City star can say.
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Conclusion
Stoke City have a long way to go before they get back to the Premier League, especially given their performances this season. The Potters finished their first season back in the Championship in 16th place, often flirting with the relegation zone.
Things will get worse but by adding the likes of Liam Lindsay and Lee Gregory amongst others, it will help ease the transition.