Stoke City set to splurge £10m on Ipswich striker

Stoke City are prepared to offer up to £10 million for Ipswich Town striker George Hirst, the 27‑year‑old Scottish forward, according to reports on 5 August 2026. The Potters see the deal as a potential blockbuster move to secure a new centre‑forward ahead of the upcoming season.

Stoke have been searching for a new centre‑forward this summer, with manager Mark Robins previously linked to Sarpsborg striker Daniel Karlsbakk. The club’s recruitment focus has now shifted back to the United Kingdom, targeting Hirst as a potential star striker.

Hirst featured in 42 Championship matches for Ipswich last season, starting 25 of them, and recorded 11 goals and four assists as the Tractor Boys secured promotion to the Premier League. He also competed with Ivan Azon for a place in the Ipswich attack, notably scoring in a 3‑3 draw at Stoke.

The Scottish forward was called up to Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the recent World Cup in North America, although he did not make an appearance as the team exited early.

Ipswich have already added Brazilian striker Emersonn and Japanese forward Daizen Maida, suggesting Hirst may no longer be central to Gary O’Neil’s plans and making a sale more likely.

A £10 million outlay would be a significant risk for Stoke, especially since the fee is reportedly guaranteed rather than performance‑based. The Potters previously spent a similar amount on Ethan Galbraith from Swansea, and they already have Sam Gallagher, Milan Smit and Robert Bozenik as alternative attacking options.

Supporters have criticised sporting director Jon Walters for the proposed spending, with some fans urging a pursuit of Tom Cannon instead. Bristol City’s recent £9 million double signing of Lorent Tolaj and Dom Ballard has been cited as a more prudent use of funds.

Action images By  James Pennington Published Aug 5, 2026, 11:25 AM GMT+1 James is a Stoke City fan, born and raised in Stoke-on-Trent. He graduated from Leeds Beckett University in 2025 with a 1:1 (Hons) in Sports Journalism, and began his Journalism career with Football League World shortly after. Add Us Summary Generate Like Follow Followed Thread Log Here Try Show Explain I’m Give Images Action.