Stoke City have been busy this summer as they look to ensure they are not dragged into another relegation scrap after only securing their status in the Championship on the final day of last season.
So far, manager Mark Robins has added some stellar recruits after Stoke signed Sorba Thomas from Huddersfield Town, before adding Divin Mubama on loan from Manchester City as well as Robert Bozenik, Aaron Cresswell, and Maksym Talovierov.
However, those signings have been marred by Wouter Burger’s move to Hoffenheim and Sol Sidibe leaving Stoke for PSV Eindhoven ahead of next season.
Stoke have now been linked to a number of players who operate in the heart of midfield, including former fan favourite Steven N’Zonzi.
Steven Nzonzi warms up before France V Andorra
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There is another option they should explore who has plenty of experience in both the Championship and Premier League and who is fighting to impress ahead of World Cup qualification.
Stoke City should look at Isaac Hayden
It was announced Isaac Hayden has agreed to leave Newcastle United on a free transfer this summer, as he looks to find first-team football to help his international aspirations.
Hayden has become a part of the Jamaica side under Steve McClaren, and there is a chance for the nation to qualify for the World Cup; however, he needs to be featuring regularly to be part of the former Middlesbrough and Derby County manager’s plans.
Mark Robins has shown that he is keen to add a central midfielder to dictate play and break up attacks, something Isaac Hayden has thrived at throughout his career, particularly on loan at Hull City from Arsenal and then at Newcastle United.
Isaac Hayden has departed the club as a free agent.
We would like to thank Isaac for all of his contributions to Newcastle United since joining back in 2016 and wish him well for the future. 🙌
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) August 2, 2025
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Hayden spent last season at Portsmouth, and he proved to be a vital player for the side as he stepped in to help them through an injury crisis last season.
Stoke are limited in midfield options, so making a move for a tried and tested international in the position would make sense, at least in the short term, to begin a move up the table as Potters fans dream of an eventual return to the Premier League.
Mark Robins is still looking to bring in signings
The Stoke City manager would be pleased if the club were to sign Isaac Hayden, as they are hopeful of bringing in a few more faces this summer, as Robins told the Potters Pod.
While he did not name Hayden, he spoke about the need to get the potential out of players in the centre of midfield, perhaps indicating he wants to strengthen in there, along with the constant links to N’Zonzi.
He said: “Everyone knows the circumstances we’re in, and we’re working really hard; the recruitment team and Jon Walters as part of that have been working their socks off. This point of the season is about that and doing as much as you want to do as you can do to stand you in good stead. It’s a real challenge for everybody and us as well.
Stoke City FC v Blackburn Rovers FC - Sky Bet Championship
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“We’re pleased with where we’re at. Hopefully we can add to that, and there are also players here who we want to really take that next step and really drive themselves and everyone else with them. That’s part of my job, and we’ve got to drive it too, and we’ve got to improve and improve on the last few years. That’s clear for everyone to see, and that’s the challenge.
“I won’t shy away from that. It’s something I’m really excited about.”