Stoke City Boss Explains ‘Challenging’ Decision on 24 Years-old Forward’s Contract…
As Stoke City gears up for a pivotal summer transfer window ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season, manager Steven Schumacher discusses the tough call to part ways with Tyrese Campbell.
Campbell, 24, departs Stoke City with the club’s best wishes after eight years, during which he made 164 appearances and scored 36 goals. He showed his potential, particularly in the last four matches of the season, helping the team secure their Championship status.
In his post-season review, Schumacher emphasized the need to significantly boost the club’s goal-scoring capabilities, necessitating new players in the central attacking role.
Schumacher explained, “It was a really difficult decision for several reasons, particularly because good centre-forwards are hard to find. Tyrese has unique attributes, including his exceptional speed. In the final games, he demonstrated his abilities, but we felt it was time for both the club and Tyrese to seek a fresh start. He needs a place where he can play consistently in a system that suits him and potentially reach his full potential. It was a tough call made with the best intentions for everyone involved. Hopefully, it benefits all parties.”
Stoke scored 49 goals in 46 league games during the 2023/24 season and have averaged 53 goals in their six seasons back in the Championship. Teams in the top six averaged 79 goals this season, although Coventry and Luton reached the play-offs with 58 and 57 goals respectively in 2022/23.
Campbell joined Stoke from Manchester City at 16, helping the under-18s reach the FA Youth Cup semi-finals in 2017 before breaking into the first team. He debuted in the Premier League in 2018 and secured a spot under Michael O’Neill after a loan at Shrewsbury. In the recent season, he made 14 starts and nine substitute appearances in the league, scoring three goals and providing one assist.
Schumacher retains Ryan Mmaee and Niall Ennis in his forward lineup, alongside youth talents Nathan Lowe and Emre Tezgel.
Stoke City Squad as it Stands:*
Goalkeepers: Viktor Johansson, Jack Bonham, Frank Fielding, Scott Morris, Tommy Simkin
Right Backs: Junior Tchamadeu, Lynden Gooch
Left Backs: Enda Stevens, Liam McCarron
Centre Backs: Michael Rose, Ben Wilmot, David Okagbue, Matty Baker
Central Midfielders: Wouter Burger, Josh Laurent, Jordan Thompson, Lewis Baker, Ben Pearson, Daniel Johnson, Sol Sidibe
Right Wingers: Million Manhoef, Mehdi Leris, Nikola Jojic
Left Wingers: Bae Junho, Andre Vidigal
Centre Forwards: Ryan Mmaee, Niall Ennis, Nathan Lowe, Emre Tezgel
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