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Stoke City’s on-loan Summer signings: The quarter-season marks

By Jack Dudley

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Matt Phillips of West Bromwich Albion (L) attempts to cross the ball while Bruno Martins Indi of Stoke City (R) attempts to block during the Premier League match between Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion at the Bet365 Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Matt Phillips of West Bromwich Albion (L) attempts to cross the ball while Bruno Martins Indi of Stoke City (R) attempts to block during the Premier League match between Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion at the Bet365 Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) /
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Stoke City added three loan signings to the club on transfer deadline day at the end of the summer. How have the temporary faces got on so far?

Stoke City’s transfer business appeared to be all over prior to the final day of the Summer’s window.

Joe Allen and Ramadan Sobhi had been added to the books earlier in the window on permanent deals.

However, after a poor August, fans were hoping that it wasn’t too late for any more business to be done as time was running out. As the window slammed shut, Stoke City had made additions all over the pitch.

Experience between the sticks

Lee Grant: 7.5/10

One of the arrivals on deadline day came in the form of somewhat of a veteran of the game.

With Jack Butland facing a long spell on sidelines after fracturing his foot on international duty prior to Euro 2016, Shay Given was taking up goalkeeping duties.

With inexperienced youth goalkeeper Jakub Haugaard Mark Hughes’ only other option, Lee Grant was signed from Derby County for a six-month period.

Upon his arrival, it was unclear which of the two veterans would be used primarily.

Grant didn’t have to wait long to make his first appearance. Stoke’s defeat to Hull City in the EFL Cup was his first match as a Potter.

Since then, Stoke haven’t lost. The Potters are now six games unbeaten.

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Stoke City have only conceded six goals in the seven games Grant has been in goal.

Compare this to 14 shipped in the six games prior, it makes the signing of Grant look all the more important.

Grant did himself no damage when he put in a man-of-the-match performance against Manchester United. A result that arguably was the catalyst for the Potter’s recent revival.

A solid part of a rejuvenated defence, Grant may be coming to the end of his current run in the team as Jack Butland gets closer to a return.

A defensive addition

Bruno Martins Indi: 7/10

Mark Hughes next looked to strengthening his options along the back-four.

With Phillip Wollscheid heading out the other way to Wolfsburg on loan, sufficient cover was required.

Hughes looked to the continent to find Wollscheid’s replacement, as Bruno Martins Indi arrived from Portuguese side FC Porto.

An experienced defender with international pedigree looked to be a shrewd addition to the ranks.

Despite not having a debut to remember as Stoke were humbled 0-4 at home to Spurs, Martins Indi has been improving alongside Ryan Shawcross with every game.

The entire defence has looked more solid in the last couple of months, as the calming influence and control from Shawcross and Martins Indi has undoubtedly been a factor.

Addition of firepower to a cold Stoke City frontline

Wilfried Bony: 6/10

Perhaps the most exciting of the three signings on deadline day came in the form of Ivorian hitman Wilfried Bony.

Stoke City were desperately lacking in goal threat. Marko Arnautovic wasn’t up to his usual standards, neither was Xherdan Shaqiri.

Before Bony’s arrival, Stoke had only scored one goal from open play in the league in three games.

Hughes and the Potters faithful were hoping to see the Bony of Swansea City rather than the Bony of Manchester City.

While it wasn’t for the lack of trying, Bony took a lot longer to get off the mark than anyone thought.

In fact, Bony had to wait until his seventh game to find the net, as he bagged two in the win over his former club.

Prior to facing Swansea, it was clear Bony was lacking in confidence, but with the likes of Arnautovic, Allen and Shaqiri on form and trying to provide, Bony will be hoping to increase his goals per game ratio.

Stoke’s Summer dealings look as though they may all work out to be great bits of business. You can read the summary of the permanent signings here:

Next: Stoke City's permanent Summer signings: Worth it?

Will the current squad be strong enough to propel Stoke rightfully up the table? Will Hughes need to spend again in Janaury? It remains to be seen.