Premier League 2017-18: Ranking the transfer windows of all 20 teams
By James Dudko
9. Stoke
Notable Ins: Kurt Zouma, Jese Rodriguez, Darren Fletcher, Kevin Wimmer
Notable Outs: Marko Arnautovic, Jon Walters, Joselu
Stoke quietly put together one of the better transfer windows of the summer. The Potters used loan deals to land some marquee talent at both ends of the team.
Quite how Stoke boss Mark Hughes convinced Chelsea it was a good idea to let a fit again Kurt Zouma leave on loan is an enduring mystery. The Frenchman has been superb through three weeks for City.
Zouma isn’t the only quality loanee Hughes secured. Jese Rodriguez has already proved his worth by netting a winner against Arsenal.
The Spanish forward is still just 24, but has experienced the big time with both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. He had his share of injury problems at both clubs, but still boasts the pace, perceptive movement and talent in front of goal to be a major hit in the Premier League.
Hits won’t be in short supply from midfield enforcer Darren Fletcher. The Scot is never shy about making a tackle and also has an eye for goal. Fletcher has already formed a complementary partnership with Joe Allen.
Stoke lost some players, but nobody they should miss too much, even though Jonathan Walters was a loyal and productive club servant.