3 centre-backs Stoke City should consider ahead of January amid rival interest in 24-year-old target

Stoke City look to be in the market for a new centre-back this January with Brazilian ace Rodrigo Guth rumoured to be a target.

Stoke City had a pretty busy summer transfer window but after moving to bring Narcis Pelach in as their new head coach, it seems likely that the Potters will be active in January.

The Spaniard will be keen to make his mark on the playing squad at the Bet365 Stadium and it seems a centre-back will be on the radar. The Championship side are said to be among those keen on Rodrigo Guth, who has been impressing at the heart of defence for Dutch side Fortuna Sittard.

However, there are other teams keen on Guth, so the Potters would be wise to keep alternatives in mind.

Here, we put forward three centre-backs Stoke City should also have on their radar…

Ronnie Edwards – Southampton

Edwards got his deserved big move to the Premier League in the summer, joining a newly-promoted Southampton side after a starring stint with top EFL talent spotters Peterborough United.

However, the England youth international has played just once for the Saints this season, and he was only on the bench for his first Premier League game last weekend. As such, manager Russell Martin has suggested he could head out on loan in January.

Stoke City may prefer a permanent signing, but it would be worth compromising over a loan to sign someone of Edwards’ ilk this winter.

Phil Neumann – Hannover 96

If Stoke City would prefer to make a permanent signing though, the situation of Phil Neumann may intrigue them. The 27-year-old has starred in Germany with 2. Bundesliga side Hannover 96 but his contract expires next summer.

It means he could be available on a cut-price deal, something that will surely interest the Potters.

He has been the subject of persisting interest from Birmingham City and there would likely be extensive competition for his signature. However, at the very least, Neumann should be on the radar in Staffordshire this winter.

Ross Sykes – Union SG

Last but not least is Englishman abroad Ross Sykes, who is playing regularly at a high level in Belgium but might be tempted by the chance to return to England and play in the Championship.

The 25-year-old has spent time out this season but he’s returned to a key role for Union SG, starting regularly in the league and Europa League. He starred in League One with Accrington Stanley before his eye-catching move abroad in 2022 and could be a big hit in the Championship.

It might be tough tempting him away from Union SG and he still has plenty of time left on his contract, but Sykes could be a great player for Stoke City to target in their centre-back search.