Unexpected Departure of Stoke City Captain

• Josh Laurent is set to leave Stoke City and join Burnley for the 2024/25 season.
• After 80 appearances with The Potters, the 29-year-old gave his all for the club.
• His departure had been anticipated since the start of the transfer window.

With just a few days remaining before the transfer window closes, it has been confirmed that Josh Laurent will leave Stoke City to join another EFL Championship team. Although it was expected that Laurent would stay with Stoke City for at least one more season, his departure has now been made official.

Despite a generally positive performance in August, Laurent wasn't always a starter, leading many to believe he would continue with Stoke City for the 2024/25 season. However, it now appears that his exit had been planned for some time, and the 29-year-old midfielder is set to embark on a new chapter in his career with Burnley.

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Burnley Signs Josh Laurent

After much speculation at the start of the transfer window regarding Laurent's future, the truth has finally come to light. Josh Laurent, who had been the face of Stoke City in recent seasons, leading the team both on and off the pitch, has decided to move on. Known for orchestrating play on the field and consistently delivering fantastic performances, Laurent's leadership qualities made him a key figure at Stoke City.

Although the transfer fee has not been disclosed, it's understood that a permanent move to Burnley has been finalized. The timing of Laurent's departure is considered ideal, as staying another season could have seen him leave on a free transfer next summer, which would not have been in Stoke City's best interest.

Laurent joined Stoke City in 2022 and went on to make over 80 appearances for the club, scoring eight goals. While goal-scoring wasn't his primary role, he always contributed positively to the team's overall performance.

Now, as the paths diverge, Stoke City wishes Josh Laurent all the best in this new phase of his career. Sporting Director Jonathan Walters also commented on Laurent's departure, expressing his best wishes for the player's success at Burnley.