Fortuna Sittard centre-back Rodrigo Guth is reportedly a target for Stoke City, per a report from Football Europa.

Despite having a reasonably busy summer transfer window, Stoke City is probably going to be active in the winter as well after changing management and adding Narcis Pelach to replace Steven Schumacher.

Pelach will get his first chance to leave his imprint on the team he inherited. As in previous windows, the Potters are expected to cast a wide net and seek internationally, but only time will tell how much they can afford and what deals they look to make.

The Potters are interested in Fortuna Sittard star Rodrigo Guth, a 24-year-old centre-back who has been with the Eredivisie club since joining from Atalanta in 2022 and has played 84 games for the team since, becoming a solid defender at a good level. According to German outlet Fussball Europa, Guth is not and will not actively push for a move, but he is open to the idea of a new challenge, and if an acceptable bid

Centre-back needed?

Stoke City have a good amount of players who can play at centre-back at this moment in time, so it’s perhaps a little surprising that they’re looking at bringing Guth in. ADVERTISEMENT However, perhaps he’s more of a long-term target. Ashley Phillips is only in on loan, so it could be that an option is needed come next summer.

However, for the moment, Ben Gibson, Michael Rose, Ben Wilmot, Spurs loanee Phillips, and young player Jaden Dixon are all listed as options. Enda Stevens has previously stepped in centrally, and Bosun Lawal can play both defensive midfield and centre back.

It implies that buying a centre-back in January is not the most important thing to do, but it could be wise to have one in mind.

Winter priorities

Pelach and Stoke City, who have advanced significantly under his leadership without making significant progress up the league, will primarily concentrate on regaining their winning ways in the Championship.

Away from the pitch, though, attention will be closely focused on what the team can accomplish when the January transfer market opens.

Tom Cannon, the loan talisman, will probably need some additional backup up top. Otherwise, the Potters team is very well-stocked, so if players are permitted to leave while Pelach leaves his stamp on Staffordshire’s procedures, maybe some fresh faces may join.