Stoke City have made a strong start to the summer window, with their focus now firmly on bolstering the back line.
Their pursuit of Maksym Taloverov appears to be reaching its final stages, with reports suggesting that advanced discussions are well underway for the 25-year-old’s transfer.
Maksym Taloverov Career
Taloverov arrived at Plymouth Argyle in January 2025 from Austrian outfit LASK and made ten Championship appearances during the second half of the season. Despite his physical presence and one goal scored, the defender was unable to help the Pilgrims avoid the drop to League One.
His performances have nevertheless earned admirers, with Stoke eager to add his stature and composure to a defence that narrowly preserved its Championship status last term. The Potters survived on the final day with a goalless draw away at Derby County and are now determined to avoid another brush with relegation.
By moving for Taloverov early, Stoke hope to give their new-look back line time to gel in pre-season under manager Mark Robins, who is entering his first full season at the helm after replacing Steven Schumacher during the 2024–25 campaign.
The opportunity to remain in the Championship is expected to appeal to Taloverov, who may be reluctant to continue in the third tier after only half a season in English football. Plymouth are reportedly resigned to losing him amid an expected squad rebuild under newly appointed boss Tom Cleverly.
Writer’s View
Stoke’s move for Maksym Taloverov looks like a smart piece of business. He’s a commanding centre-half who adapted quickly to the demands of the Championship after arriving from Austria. With his contract at LASK having just expired before his switch to England, and Plymouth now dropping to League One, this represents a timely opportunity for both player and club.
It’s clear that Robins wants to build a more resilient side, and adding height and power to the back line is a logical first step. Given Stoke’s flirtation with the bottom three last season, reinforcing their defensive spine is essential. Taloverov may not be a marquee name, but his physicality and experience across Europe could make him an important piece in a more solid foundation at the Bet365 Stadium.
