European club eyeing fresh Stoke City transfer raid - Potters man was keen for summer move | OneFootball

The Stoke City defender could be set for a January exit

Stoke City defender Eric Bocat could be on the move in January.

The Potters have been one of the Championship’s surprise packages this season, fighting consistently towards the top of the division for the first time since 2018, when they arrived back in the division.

Despite a recent home defeat at the hands of Hull City, Mark Robins’ side sit fourth in the second-tier, just three points behind Middlesbrough in second and look capable of continuing their hunt for a Premier League return until May.

One major reason behind Stoke’s success has been their rock-solid defence, which has only conceded 14 times during the first 18 matches. This makes them the Championship’s best defensive unit, letting in four fewer goals than anyone else at this stage.

With the Potters in such a good position, Robins may be wary about letting any of his players leave in January. However, that may soon be a predicament he has to deal with.

Standard Liège target Eric Bocat, Stoke City transfer raid

During the summer window, Bocat was one Stoke player consistently linked with a move away from the bet365 Stadium.

It was reported that Standard Liège were pursuing a loan deal for the defender which included a €2m option to make the move permanent, with Bocat heavily pushing to make that happen.

It was then also revealed that the Frenchman had agreed personal terms with Standard Liège, but Stoke ultimately refused to sanction a move because they didn’t have time to get a replacement in.

Now, journalist Sacha Tavolieri has taken to X to provide an update on the situation. He states that the Belgian outfit still want to strengthen their left-back ranks and Bocat remains their preferred option.

Other clubs are also tracking the situation according to Tavolieri, but no further details have been added.

Robins will have the final say on Bocat’s future once more, with the defender’s contract at Stoke running until 2028. However, one must wonder whether Bocat's own stance - having clearly wanted a move back in the summer - could play a part, with Robins sure to intend on retaining squad harmony as the Potters look to take their early-season promotion charge deeper into the campaign.

Mark Robins may not want to risk Eric Bocat transfer amid promotion charge

Bocat hasn’t featured too much for Stoke this season, with former West Ham United full-back Aaron Cresswell deployed on the left of defence primarily.

However, the Frenchman has still enjoyed a fair amount of playing time, making 10 appearances in all competitions, including four Championship starts.

Although the defender may be in search of a guaranteed starting spot, Robins won’t want to risk letting him leave and regretting it later down the line with a potential injury crisis.

Perhaps the lure of fighting for promotion may be enough to keep Bocat at Stoke for the rest of this season, before letting him move on to pastures new for next term.