2024–25 Stoke City F.C. season

The 2024–25 season is Stoke City's 108th season in the Football League, the 48th in the second tier and eleventh in the Championship.

The day after the end of the 2023–24 season Stoke announced that Tyrese Campbell, Ciaran Clark and Wesley would be leaving following the end of their contracts whilst Jordan Thompson had his extended by one-year.^[5] Stoke's first signing of the summer was Swedish goalkeeper Viktor Johansson on a three-year deal from Rotherham United.^[6] Head of recruitment Jared Dublin left the club in May 2024 and was replaced the following month by Lee Darnbrough from Hull City.^[7][8] Defender Ben Gibson was the second player to arrive, joining on a free after leaving Norwich City.^[9] French full-back Eric Bocat joined on 26 June 2024 from Belgian side Sint-Truiden.^[10] Forward Sam Gallagher joined from Blackburn Rovers on 31 July 2024.^[11] in early August it was announced that John Coates had become outright owner of the club following demerger implemented by bet365.^[12]

Stoke played friendlies against AZ Alkmaar, Bolton Wanderers, Chester, Cork City, Crewe Alexandra and Stockport County.^[13]

Stoke began their 2024–25 campaign at home against Coventry City, Lewis Baker scoring the only goal with ten minutes remaining.^[14] A second half collapse the following week saw Stoke lose 3–0 at Watford with a brace from Edo Kayembe.^[15] For the visit of Midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion Schumacher gave a first league start for Liverpool loanee Lewis Koumas. The Baggies scored early Karlan Grant before Koumas, equalised for his first league goal in professional football. However straight from the kick-off West Brom regained the lead through Josh Maja and they went on to see out the win.^[16] On transfer deadline day leaving the club were midfielders Lewis Baker, Daniel Johnson and Josh Laurent whilst joining the team was Japanese defensive midfielder Tatsuki Seko and forward Tom Cannon.^[17] Stoke ended August with a 1–0 win at Plymouth Argyle, Million Manhoef scoring past Conor Hazard.^[18]

Following the international break Stoke put in a poor performance away at newly promoted Oxford United losing 1–0, Idris El Mizouni scoring just after half time.^[19][20] Head coach Steven Schumacher was sacked two days later along with his coaching staff.^[21] Stoke moved quickly to bring in Spanish coach Narcís Pèlach from Norwich City for his first head coach role.^[22] His first game ended in a 3–1 defeat against Hull City with the Tigers scoring three second half goals after Wilmot had given Stoke the lead.^[23] City were outplayed by Middlesbrough a week later, losing 2–0 with Boro having 26 shots on Stoke's goal.^[24]

Updated to match(es) played on 2 October 2024. Source: EFL Official Website
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Number of goals scored; 4) Head-to-head results; 5) Wins; 6) Away goals; 7) Penalty points (sec 9.5); 8) Number of 12-point sending off offences; 9) Play-off (only if needed to determine promotion/relegation)^[26]

Stoke were drawn away against League Two side Carlisle United in the first round, academy graduates Freddie Anderson and Emre Tezgel each scored their first professional goals for the club in a 2–0 victory.^[27] In the second round, Stoke faced Championship rivals Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium. Stoke fielded their youngest ever team with an average age of under 21 and they put in a clinical performance winning 5–0 with goals from Tezgel, Koumas, Mmaee and a brace from Manhoef.^[28] Ryan Shawcross took caretaker charge of the third round tie against Fleetwood Town, managed by Charlie Adam. A late goal from Rhys Bennett sent the tie to penalties after Michael Rose had given Stoke the lead. Johansson saved two Fleetwood pens as Stoke progressed 2–1.^[29]

As of match played 2 October 2024