Stoke City will need to find a replacement for Ashley Phillips this summer, and they should look for another prospect from the Premier League, such as Josh Stephenson.
Stoke City may have seen Ashley Phillips for the last time in red and white. SCFC had the young defender on loan for two consecutive seasons, and he was a mainstay in the Potters’ backline.
It’s unclear where the 21-year-old will be playing football next term, but Tottenham Hotspur are unlikely to loan him out and could decide to cash in this summer. Unfortunately for Mark Robins’ side, his value could be north of seven figures.
Phillips’ doubtful return leaves a space in the centre of defence for the Potters. One player who could be a successful replacement for the former loanee is Josh Stephenson.
The 20-year-old has been at Brentford since 2024 after signing from Millwall’s academy. The defender has excelled for the Bees’ development squad for two years now, and he could use his first senior loan spell. Stoke City should be his destination for the 2026/27 campaign.
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Josh Stephenson is ready for first loan spell – Stoke City should be interested
Brentford have offered Stephenson a new contract, which should open the defender up to leaving on loan soon. The 20-year-old is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Premier League outfit, but he has been named on the bench on several occasions.
There’s every chance the youngster could be a part of Keith Andrews’ plans next term. However, if he isn’t, they should look to get the former Millwall prospect out playing senior football.
Stephenson won Brentford’s U21 player of the year award and is clearly valued highly in West London. He contributed six goals and three assists for the development squad last term. It seems the natural next step to take is to transition his quality into first-team action, whether it’s on loan or not.
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Josh Stephenson can replace Ashley Phillips
While the 20-year-old would come to Stoke City with no prior experience of competitive senior action, he would undoubtedly bring a similar level of quality that Phillips brought during his initial loan spell.
Ashley Phillips’ stats for Stoke City
Games Goals
83 1
The former SCFC loanee had that natural ability whereby he quickly became Robins’ best defender. Stephenson would likely bring a similar feeling to the bet365 stadium.
It would be a risk considering the Potters’ ambitions for next season. However, if they are looking to recruit a player with similar attributes to Phillips, the Brentford prospect seems a natural replacement.
Stephenson is recognised for his ball-playing abilities and strong game awareness. The Bees have a history of developing top centre-backs, especially Tristan Crama, who is considered one of Millwall’s top defenders. Stoke City should be considering a move for the 20-year-old.