CAMPBELL EXITS CITY
Striker departs but midfielder Thompson set to stay
TYRESE Campbell is leaving Stoke City after eight years at the club.
The 24-year-old striker is coming to the end of his contract and is heading for a fresh start on a high, receiving a standing ovation after scoring in a finalday 4-0 win over Bristol City at the bet365 Stadium.
News of his departure was announced by the club yesterday as they also confirmed that Jordan Thompson has had a 12-month extension to his current contract triggered.
Sporting Director Jonathan Walters said: “Jordan has been a consistent performer throughout the 23/24 season and a player who never fails to give 100 per cent for the badge.
“We’re looking forward to seeing him go again and continuing to be an important member of our squad next season.
“In Tyrese’s case, to have played over 150 matches for one team is a rare feat in the modern era, it represents a significant contribution to the history of our club and we thank him for his efforts in a Stoke City shirt.”
Campbell led the line for Stoke in their pivotal final four games of the season, also starring in a 3-0 home win over Plymouth and scoring the winner at Southampton. These proved to be games that secured
Stoke’s status in the Championship, where they eventually finished
17th after a turbulent campaign.
He joined Stoke from Manchester City as a 16-year-old and helped the under-18s reach the FA Youth Cup semi-finals before making his debut in the Premier League.
He became a key first team figure in 2020, although his development was hit by a horrible knee injury that pretty much ruled him out of 2021.
This season he has scored four goals, including three in the league, and set up another two. In all. he netted 36 goals in 164 appearances for the Potters.
Thompson, aged 27, recently made his 150th appearance for Stoke, and will now extend his association with the club into a sixth campaign.
The club also announced that talks on a contract extension are ongoing with defender Enda Stevens, who has been an influential figure when fit during his year at Stoke – winning in nine of his 21 appearances.
Frank Fielding will stay on as a third-choice keeper after signing a oneyear deal,
but centre-back Ciaran Clark and striker Wesley are moving on. Meanwhile, Daniel Iversen, Kijana Hoever, Luke Mcnally, Luke Cundle and Sead Hakšabanovic will return to their parent clubs following the conclusion of their loans.
Walters added: “Those departing do so knowing we are hugely grateful for their efforts during their time with the club.
“The honour and privilege of having represented Stoke City is something we hope they remember fondly and that will never be taken away.
“We believe the decisions we are making now strike the right balance between continuity and opportunities to reshape the squad in pursuit of progress in 24/25 as we start to lay the foundations to build a successful future.”
The club says it will announce a full retained list in due course.