Josh Laurent's exit during this transfer window was a significant loss for Stoke City, albeit one that was anticipated. With his contract set to expire in 2025, it became clear that to maximize his value, a summer transfer was inevitable.
Laurent has now joined Burnley, where he will face new challenges and opportunities, including the possibility of competing for a spot in the Premier League. His departure leaves Stoke City with the need to appoint a new captain.
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Who Should Be Stoke City's Captain?
In the recent match against Plymouth Argyle, the captain's armband was worn by Ben Wilmot, a 24-year-old defender who has been with the club for several years. Wilmot joined The Potters in June 2021, giving him three years of experience with the team. He has a deep understanding of how the squad has been managed in recent seasons, making him a strong candidate to assume the captaincy permanently, both on and off the pitch.
Another potential candidate is Wouter Burger, who captained Stoke City in their Carabao Cup match against Middlesbrough. At 23 years old, Burger has also shown leadership qualities. Having joined the club in August 2023, he has already gained a year of experience with Stoke City, and his ability to guide the team on the field could make him a fitting choice for captain.
Join us in Buxton on Tuesday night for the first Meet the Players event of 24/25.
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) September 2, 2024
A trio of Potters will take part in a Q&A with @BuxtonStoke from 6.30pm.
Lastly, there's Ben Gibson, a player with considerable experience and a strong track record in the EFL Championship. Gibson, who was the captain in Stoke City's match against West Brom Albion, is 31 years old and has a wealth of experience competing at the highest level of the Championship. His arrival at Stoke City provides the team with the leadership and maturity needed to guide the younger players who are still developing within the club.
Each of these players brings different qualities to the table, and Steve Schumacher will need to carefully consider who is best suited to lead the team as they strive for success in the upcoming season.