Stoke City are preparing for a fresh attempt to sign Wolves midfielder Luke Cundle in the upcoming January transfer window, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The Potters were eager to bring the 22-year-old to the club during the summer window, but despite progress, the deal ultimately failed to materialise. Now, manager Steven Schumacher is keen to reignite the pursuit as he continues to reshape his squad.
Nixon reports that Stoke’s recruitment team has already started planning for January, with Cundle high on the club’s list of targets. The midfielder is well-known to Stoke fans, having spent the second half of last season on loan at the club. Cundle’s versatility and experience, having made a total of 40 Championship appearances last season during spells with both Plymouth Argyle and Stoke, have impressed Schumacher, who rates him highly.
The Potters made several signings over the summer to support Schumacher’s ambitions, but the club now focuses on strengthening further in the winter window. The plan to revisit the Cundle deal signals Stoke’s intent to continue backing their manager and address gaps identified during the summer.
Schumacher’s side have had a mixed start to the 2024-25 season. After a busy summer transfer window, the Potters find themselves mid-table in the Championship. They have picked up two wins but have also suffered two losses, leaving them with six points from their first four games. This has positioned them in the middle of the pack, highlighting the inconsistency in their early performances. There have been some positive signs, particularly in their 5-0 EFL Cup demolition of Middlesbrough, they’ve struggled to find that same form in the league
Who is Luke Cundle?
Cundle began his football journey at Warrington Town before joining Burnley’s academy. At the age of 12, he moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2014, where he progressed through the youth ranks.He made his first-team debut for Wolves in a EFL Cup victory over Reading, and soon after, participated in the club’s pre-season tour of China, where Wolves won the Premier League Asia Trophy against Manchester City.
His Premier League debut came in 2022 during Wolves’ 3-1 win over Southampton, and he made his first league start in a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. In August 2022, he joined Swansea City on loan, where he enjoyed a productive season, making 34 appearances and scoring twice as Swansea finished in tenth place in the Championship.
Cundle continued his development with a loan to Plymouth Argyle before being recalled and loaned out again to Stoke City in January 2024. His return to Championship action with Stoke saw him link up with manager Steven Schumacher, netting a key goal in a 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday, further cementing his reputation as a promising young talent.
Writer’s View
Although Cundle remains at Molineux following the summer window, his lack of regular game time at Wolves could open him to another move. Stoke’s midfield has undergone significant changes in recent months, and securing a player with Cundle’s Championship experience could be key to bolstering their ranks as they push for promotion.
Should Stoke be successful in bringing Cundle back, it would mark a significant addition to their midfield as they aim to climb the Championship table. With his knowledge of the club and proven ability at this level, Cundle could be a key player in Stoke’s push for success in the second half of the season.
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