New Sorba Thomas, Stoke City twist emerges as Hull City eye transfer raid | OneFootball

Stoke City star Sorba Thomas is reportedly set to miss this evening's home clash with Norwich City as Hull continue to eye the winger's signature

Stoke City are set for a whirlwind end to the summer window, and as Mark Robins prepares his team for their home clash with Norwich City on Tuesday night, it appears as though they will be without their star man, Sorba Thomas.

According to talkSPORT's Alex Crook via X, Stoke winger Thomas is set to miss the Potters' home clash with Norwich on Tuesday evening as significant interest remains from Premier League side Hull City, with Mark Robins set to label the Welshman's absence as a "club decision".

The Tigers have been chasing the Welsh international over the past couple of weeks, with Sergej Jakirovic's side keen to add the 27-year-old to their attacking ranks before 11pm tonight, as Thomas has taken matters into his own hands.

Sorba Thomas set to miss Stoke City's home clash with Norwich City amid Hull City transfer talk

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Thomas has been Stoke's star attacker ever since his arrival from Huddersfield Town last summer for a fee believed to be less than £2 million, grabbing ten goals and 11 assists in the Championship in his maiden year in the Potteries.

Under contract until the summer of 2028, interest in the winger was always bound to be rife this summer, though as we approach deadline day, he remains a Stoke player; but maybe not for long.

Sky Sports' Rob Dorsett reported on Monday that Stoke had accepted an offer worth a total of £10 million for Thomas from Hull, but are only willing to part ways if they sign a replacement first.

Now, new developments appear to be at play and, with sources close to Thomas reportedly denying any notion that the talented winger is refusing to pull on red-and-white, Potters supporters will be biting their nails as this saga continues to play out towards 11pm.

Why losing Sorba Thomas would be a huge blow for Stoke City amid Hull City bid

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Thomas' 21 direct goal contributions last season were by far the most in Stoke's squad, and the most any player has put up for the club since relegation back to the Championship in 2018.

The Welshman directly contributed to over 40 per cent of Stoke's Championship goals last campaign, and trailed only Zan Vipotnik and Oli McBurnie for goal contributions in the division.

With Mark Robins' side having only added George Hirst to their attacking mix this summer, losing Thomas would be a huge blow to the club currently rock bottom of the Championship.

With just hours remaining until the deadline, Stoke will have little time to replace their star forward if he is to depart for the top-flight.

Mark Robins has a huge decision to make regarding Sorba Thomas' future

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With the clock ticking, time is running out for a deal for Thomas to be completed.

There will no doubt be frustration on both sides that this saga has come down to the final hours, as Robins now finds himself in a difficult situation about what to do.

Accepting the Welshman's departure leaves Stoke undoubtedly weaker in the forward line than they already were, and gambling on a replacement to replicate his output is far from ideal.

However, keeping a player that may not want to be at the club anymore does no good for anyone, as Robins has a huge task on his hands to manage this situation as best as possible.