Stoke City have been sensational so far this season, with their latest victory perhaps their best in the 2025/26 Championship campaign.
The Potters ran out 2-1 winners away to Southampton on Saturday afternoon, with Mark Robins praising Viktor Johansson for his performance at St. Mary’s.
Only Middlesbrough and the Staffordshire outfit have a perfect record in the second tier after three games, with the latter of those currently sitting at the top of the table on goal difference.
Nevertheless, building for the future is vital, and Stoke have already lined up a potential replacement for Johansson in the years to come after they announced a new arrival from Manchester City on Monday.
Stoke City sign son of Lee Grant from Manchester City
The Potters have an excellent goalkeeping department, but they are continuing to add to it at youth level, with True Grant the latest through the door at the bet365 Stadium.
True Grant of Buxton participates in the Isuzu FA Trophy Second round match between Darlington and Buxton
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The 19-year-old has left Manchester City to make the switch to Stoke, having played 14 times in the Premier League 2, while he also made 13 appearances in the U18 Premier League.
He spent last season on loan at National League North side Buxton, featuring 40 times for the Derbyshire club as they reached the play-offs.
Nevertheless, he now joins Stoke, where he will be looking to make an impression in their U21s side this season, and he’ll be keen to learn from Johansson – an international goalkeeper for Sweden.
Mark Robins will be hoping that True Grant can be the next big thing for the Potters
The Potters’ first-choice goalkeeper is only 26 and therefore he has time on his side to develop and continue to be a vital piece of the jigsaw at the bet365 Stadium.
However, his impressive performances will eventually lead him to a move further up the pyramid and Stoke have to plan for this.
True Grant of Manchester City during the FA Youth Cup final between Manchester City and Leeds United
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Sporting Director Jonathan Walters believes that Grant can grow into the perfect shot-stopper for the club in the years to come. He said (via: stokecityfc.co.uk): “True has shown his quality at Manchester City and during his loan spell at Buxton, and he is regarded as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in the country.
“Darren Behcet was keen to bring him in as part of a strong goalkeeping unit with Viktor Johansson, Jack Bonham and Frank Fielding, with Tommy Simkin also excelling whilst out on loan.
“His dad, Lee, was a hugely respected player here and a fantastic person too. We’re delighted to welcome True into the Stoke City family, and I’m sure he knows what it means to wear the badge.”