Stoke City have been linked with a potential move for Wolves midfielder Luke Cundle during the upcoming January transfer window, but ‘nothing has changed‘ in their pursuit, according to reports.
The 22-year-old, who impressed during a loan spell at Stoke in the 2023/24 season, was believed to be on the club’s radar as they look to strengthen their midfield options. Yesterday, we reported that journalist Alan Nixon believed they were monitoring the situation ahead of the winter window, but the Stoke Sentinel suggests that is not currently on the club’s agenda.
Cundle played a key role for Stoke last season. During his time at the bet365 Stadium, he made 43 appearances, scoring six goals and providing seven assists. His performances earned praise from Stoke manager Steven Schumacher, who described him as a player with great vision and technical ability. Despite interest in retaining the midfielder, Cundle returned to Wolves at the end of his loan, with his parent club reportedly valuing him at £4 million.
The prospect of a permanent move was not feasible for Stoke during the summer, with the club focusing on other targets. However, with the January window approaching, reports suggested Stoke may reignite their interest in the young midfielder.
Cundle at Wolves
Cundle’s current situation at Wolves sees him struggling for game time under new manager Gary O’Neil, having yet to make an appearance for the Premier League side this season.
Wolves have many midfield options, and Cundle has found it difficult to break into the first team. His situation has not gone unnoticed by Stoke, who could potentially benefit from adding the talented playmaker to their ranks as they push for a strong finish in the Championship.
Cundle is under contract at Wolves until 2026, and while a permanent move might be financially challenging for Stoke, a loan deal could be a more viable option. A temporary return to Stoke would give Cundle the opportunity to gain regular playing time and continue his development in a familiar environment.
Obstacles To a Transfer
One potential obstacle for Stoke could be the competition from other Championship clubs, who may also be interested in signing Cundle. His performances last season demonstrated that he can make a significant impact at this level, and with a full transfer window ahead, multiple clubs could enter the race for his signature.
There’s also their intention to develop their own players, such as Wouter Burger, Andrew Moran, Sol Sidibe, and Bosun Lawal. All are young an exciting and have the potential to become top players for the Potters, and it seems as though the club’s focus is now on their inward talent, not borrowing from other clubs.
The Future
Stoke City’s start to the 2024/25 season has been solid, but Neil has indicated that there is still room for improvement, particularly in the midfield. The addition of Cundle, who already knows the club and its style of play, could provide a significant boost in their efforts to secure a playoff position.
As January approaches, the speculation surrounding Cundle’s future will likely intensify. Stoke would need to act swiftly if they hope to secure his services again, with many eyes potentially on the talented midfielder as the transfer window opens. That could drive up the costs, and it seems finally they’ve decided against progressing the deal any further.
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