Fresh Stoke City reaction given to Sorba Thomas exit news - "I'm praying" | OneFootball

FLW’s Stoke City fan pundit has commented on Sorba Thomas being linked with a move to Bournemouth to replace Antoine Semenyo.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Stoke City firmly remain in the hunt for promotion back to the Premier League this season under Mark Robins.

After a previous run of just two wins in 10 Championship outings, the Potters have got themselves back on track at the start of 2026 by recording back-to-back victories, dispatching Hull City and Norwich City while keeping clean sheets in the process.

This has lifted the Midlands outfit back to the periphery of the play-off places, with an optimism that the club has shaken off a rough patch and can really attack the remainder of the season.

It’s been a long time coming for Stoke to be involved at the right end of the table, given the club has only finished mid-table in the previous Championship seasons they’ve been involved in since their relegation from the Premier League back in 2018.

A fundamental asset to why the club is doing so well this term is Sorba Thomas, with the Welsh international lighting up the second-tier this term.

His latest strike at Carrow Road means Thomas has nine goals and six assists to his name from 26 matches, while also creating 50 chances and averaging a match rating of 7.24/10, as per FotMob.

His willingness to drive at opposition defenders, whip wicked deliveries in with either foot as well as possessing lethal efforts on target has made him one of the best players in the division so far this season, and it’s no surprise to see teams from the Premier League placing the 26-year-old on their shortlist heading into the winter window.

According to the Daily Mail, Bournemouth are targeting a potential move for Thomas as a replacement for Antoine Semenyo, as the latter is expected to complete a £65m move to Manchester City during the January transfer window.

While the interest was expected, it would undoubtedly be a massive blow for Stoke to lose such a talent as we enter the second half of the season, having the potential to derail the Potters’ season completely.

With this in mind, FLW’s Stoke City fan pundit has commented on Thomas being linked with a move to Bournemouth and how he envisages events playing out during the remainder of the month.

Stoke City resigned to Sorba Thomas, Premier League move and would be “devastated”

Speaking to Football League World, Stoke City fan pundit Pete O’Connell believes Stoke City will be powerless to keep Sorba Thomas if Bournemouth’s interest in the Welsh international ramps up, revealing he would be “devastated” to see him depart the Bet365 Stadium.

Pete said: “I’d be devastated if he (Sorba Thomas) left. They’re talking about him being a replacement for Semenyo. I think if I was a Bournemouth fan, I think you’d want someone a bit more high profile, particularly when selling Semenyo for around sixty odd million or whatever it is.

“But like any Championship player, if a Premier League club comes calling, they seriously want him, and they’re prepared to throw money at it, then there’s not a lot us or any other Championship club can do really, so I pray it’s complete nonsense and that he isn’t going anywhere, hopefully.

“He’s been outstanding for us, so I’m praying it’s wrong and that Bournemouth will buy someone we’ve never heard of from abroad for around six or seven million who will turn out to be pretty decent knowing their recruitment, but everyone in Stoke-on-Trent is praying that is not true.”

Stoke City must do all they can to extend Sorba Thomas stay

Stoke City are in serious danger of losing one of their best assets, so they must do all they can to convince Sorba Thomas that the Potters is the place to play his football over the long-term.

While Bournemouth is such an attractive proposition given their track record of improving the majority of players that they sign, Thomas is the main man in this Stoke side, often playing 90 minutes and so relied upon to both score and create goals.

Meanwhile, Stoke still have every chance of securing promotion this term and are firmly involved in both the play-off and automatic promotion mix, so there’s every chance Thomas could realise his Premier League ambitions in red and white.

The club did originally sign Thomas on a three-year contract last summer, so they’re in a position of power to demand what fee they want.

They could offer him a new and improved deal to wave off any interest completely, and that may be the best solution to ensure Thomas’s head doesn’t get turned by this increasing speculation.

It’ll prove to be a tough few weeks ahead, but Stoke must stand firm and go all out to keep the man who is vital to them attempting to secure a place back in the Premier League and end an eight-year exodus.