John Mikel Obi (midfielder, unattached), Steven Fletcher (attacker, Sheff Wed), James Chester (defender, Aston Villa), Morgan Fox (defender, Sheff Wed)
Out
Stoke have had a difficult time of it over the last couple of seasons and have looked short of the quality they need to regain a Premier League spot.
There is now however optimism that the Potters could mount a promotion bid at last.
After a difficult start Michael O'Neill appears to have established his squad and tactics. They had a good end to last term and appear to have bought well in the transfer market with John Obi Mikel a marquee signing while Steven Fletcher and Morgan Fox add further quality.
There is much uncertainty over the future of keeper Jack Butland and they will look to address that situation as quickly as possible. Adam Davies is a more than capable replacement though.
O'Neill has changed Stoke into a side capable of playing a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system more in keeping with other Championship sides. Players seem happier under him than under previous managers. This could also be a big season for Nick Powell and Tom Ince, players who have only impressed on rare occasions.
Target
Stoke will hope for a promotion bid at last and there is certainly more optimism than in recent campaigns.
Season Review
2019/2020
№15:
Stoke City
This was another bitterly disappointing season for Stoke who flirted with relegation for long periods before winning three of their last four games to stay up.
Nathan Jones was sacked in November following a poor time of it where his formation - a diamond system - just did not appear to work and lacked width.
Michael O'Neill was the replacement and although he in the end kept the club up it was not an overly successful few months.
Stoke had assembled a squad for plenty of money but few impressed overall. Jack Butland had a crisis of confidence in goal while Ryan Shawcross was injured for long periods.
Player of the season was Sam Clucas thanks to scoring double figures from midfield while Nick Powell impressed later on in the campaign and Tyrese Campbell really took his chance in attack ahead of more established names.
Stoke need to trim the size of their squad and re-establish some team spirit to challenge next season. They probably need more class in attack too.