According to Alan Nixon, Stoke City have set a £2.5 million asking price for Blackburn Rovers target Lewis Baker.
Stoke City are preparing for another season in the Championship. The Potters finished 17th last season under Steven Schumacher, who took over in December. Schumacher managed to stabilize the team and guide them to safety after Alex Neil’s departure.
Image courtesy of: MATTHEW CHILDS/REUTERS.
Stoke City still have room to improve, but the summer gives Steven Schumacher an opportunity to shape his squad and implement his vision.
Lewis Baker, 29, made 20 appearances for Stoke last season, often serving as captain. He scored twice from midfield but struggled with injuries early in the season and couldn’t match his previous year’s form. In the 2022/23 season, Baker featured in 44 Championship matches and contributed to 12 goals.
Blackburn Rovers have shown interest in Baker this summer, but the latest reports indicate that securing a deal could be challenging for John Eustace’s team.
Nixon reports that Stoke City are seeking around £2.5 million for Lewis Baker. This asking price is reportedly deterring Blackburn Rovers and could potentially prevent a deal from being finalized this summer.
Baker is one of Stoke City’s most promising players when in form. If he stays fit this season, he could be crucial for Schumacher’s plans, which explains why Stoke City is demanding a significant fee for him.
Image courtesy of: JASON CAIRNDUFF/REUTERS.
Entering the final year of his contract, Baker’s situation might typically lead to a lower asking price, but that doesn’t seem to be the case with Stoke City’s valuation. As the transfer window progresses, it will be intriguing to see if any Championship club will be willing to meet that fee for Baker.
For Schumacher, the focus is on improving Stoke City’s position in the Championship this season. The ultimate goal is to contend for the top six, though achieving this immediately may be challenging. By laying a solid foundation this summer and beyond, the club can work towards that goal.
Schumacher faces pressure to perform with a full pre-season behind him. A strong start to the season could ease some of that pressure on both him and the squad.