Negotiations are still ongoing between Stoke City and various clubs, as it has just been confirmed that Stoke City will loan out a 20-year-old player, who has high expectations surrounding his future.
Given the depth of Steve Schumacher's squad, particularly in the attacking positions, it seems this player will be sent on loan back to his former team in Serbia. The objective is for him to get significant playing time and return to Stoke City next season with improved skills and progression as a footballer.
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Nikola Jojic Goes on Loan to Mladost
This 20-year-old player joined Stoke City in 2023, with a lot of promise as a young talent in Serbian football. He had shown great potential in his home country's league, which led to Stoke City scouting and signing him.
However, he has not yet made the breakthrough expected to earn a place in the first team. Last season, he played 15 matches in the Premier League 2, scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists in over 1,000 minutes of playing time. With Stoke City's first team, he has only seen limited action, making a brief appearance in the EFL Championship last season, playing just a few minutes in one match and 17 minutes in a Carabao Cup game.
Now, his immediate future lies in Serbian football, where he is expected to gain valuable playing time and continue competing at a high level, with the hope of eventually integrating into Stoke City's squad. Although the player's departure has not been officially announced, all agreements have been made for him to return to his former club this season. Steve Schumacher will continue to work with the players he has available, including several young talents who are currently in great form, which led to the decision to loan out Nikola Jojic.