Six Stoke City players face scrutiny as the club plans for January transfers.

Stoke City are already looking ahead to the January transfer window as manager Mark Robins prepares to strengthen his squad and ensure the club can maintain its impressive progress during the second half of the Championship season.

The Potters have emerged as one of the division’s strongest teams in recent weeks, with a number of their summer recruits making a significant difference to the quality and balance of Robins’ squad. The impact of the club’s transfer business has been particularly noticeable in the starting XI, with several new arrivals quickly establishing themselves as important figures.

Ethan Galbraith, Justin Devenny, Djibril Soumare, Jack McGlynn, Ben Johnson and Luke Graham have all made strong impressions since arriving at the bet365 Stadium. Their performances have not only strengthened the team but have also increased competition for places throughout the squad.

That improved competition, however, has inevitably meant that some players who were previously regular starters have found themselves playing a much smaller role.

Eric Bocat and Lamine Cisse are among those existing players who appear to have benefited from the stronger squad around them, but the picture has been less positive for several others.

Million Manhoef and Bae Junho are suddenly having to fight for their places in the Stoke City starting XI.(Image: Mark Kerton/Shutterstock)

Tomas Rigo and Ben Gibson were both omitted from the matchday squad for Stoke’s recent victory over Derby County, highlighting just how difficult it has become for some players to force their way into Robins’ plans.

Ben Pearson, Million Manhoef, Bae Junho and Robert Bozenik have also experienced reduced opportunities this season. For players such as Manhoef and Junho, that represents a significant change after they had previously been close to automatic selections when available.

Despite the increased competition, Robins has made it clear that nobody should assume they are no longer part of his plans. The Championship season is long and demanding, particularly during the winter months, and injuries, suspensions and changes in form can quickly alter the pecking order.

Bozenik, for example, is continuing to make his case whenever opportunities arrive. The striker has already scored three goals across league and cup competitions and will hope those performances can persuade the manager to give him more regular minutes.

Nevertheless, Stoke’s improved position means that Robins must also consider the bigger picture. The manager understands that continuing to strengthen the squad will require difficult decisions, including potentially allowing some players to leave in order to create opportunities for others.

Robins has experienced the demands of building competitive squads at this level before, and he recognises that clubs cannot simply remain satisfied after one successful transfer window. Financial regulations and the realities of Championship football mean recruitment must be carefully managed, with incomings and outgoings forming part of a continuous process.

Speaking ahead of Stoke’s home fixture against Bristol City, Robins explained that the club is only at the beginning of its rebuilding process after previous recruitment mistakes.

He stressed that the objective now is to build on the progress already made rather than become complacent because of the team’s current position.

The manager revealed that Stoke’s recruitment department is already examining potential January additions, despite the window still being several weeks away. Planning needs to begin early, with the club assessing which positions could require strengthening and identifying players who might be available.

Robins believes maintaining momentum requires constant evaluation of the squad. Simply assuming that the summer recruitment was successful is not enough. Stoke must continue looking for ways to improve if they want to remain competitive and challenge towards the top of the Championship.

The manager also acknowledged that some players may need to leave the club temporarily or permanently to gain regular football elsewhere.

With several members of the current squad struggling for consistent minutes, loan moves could become an option for those who need more playing time. Others could potentially be considered for permanent transfers if Stoke decide their futures would be better served away from the club.

At the same time, Robins expects new players to arrive in January if the right opportunities become available. Any additions would be designed to complement the existing squad and help preserve the positive momentum Stoke have built during the opening months of the campaign.

The manager’s comments suggest that the six players currently struggling for regular involvement cannot afford to become complacent. Their performances between now and January could prove crucial in determining whether they remain part of Stoke’s plans or become candidates for a move.

However, Robins is keen to ensure the transfer discussion does not distract from the immediate challenge of maintaining results on the pitch.

Stoke are in an encouraging position, but the manager knows the Championship can change quickly. Consistency will be essential, and the squad must continue performing at a high level if the club is to turn its strong run of form into a sustained promotion push.

For now, Robins wants his players focused on their performances, while behind the scenes Stoke’s recruitment team will continue preparing for another potentially important transfer window.

The message is clear: the summer business has transformed the squad, but the rebuilding process is far from finished. Players currently on the fringes will have opportunities to change their situation, while Stoke will continue searching for ways to strengthen and improve.

January could therefore bring major changes at the bet365 Stadium, with both incoming transfers and departures potentially shaping the next phase of Robins’ project.