Stoke's new signings threaten Sam Gallagher's place

Stoke City have completed a permanent signing of Milan Smit from Go Ahead Eagles and are reportedly targeting Ipswich Town forward George Hirst, with the potential move poised to reshape the Potters' attacking options. The 30‑year‑old striker Sam Gallagher, who has struggled for goals, could see his role under threat.

Stoke’s recruitment drive follows a season in which the club managed just 51 goals, the second‑fewest among Championship sides. With only six clubs scoring fewer, manager Mark Robins needs a striker capable of reaching the 15‑goal mark to lift the team. Milan Smit, who impressed during his loan spell, offers youthful energy, while Hirst’s 11‑goal haul for Ipswich last term suggests he could provide the missing firepower.

If the George Hirst deal materialises, Gallagher’s chances of retaining a starting berth diminish sharply, as the club will have added another proven scorer. For the Scotland‑born forward, a move back to the Championship could secure regular minutes after limited Premier League opportunities at Ipswich. Both players stand to benefit, while Stoke hopes to end its goal‑scoring woes.

Action Images By Alex Charlton Published Aug 2, 2026, 7:40 AM GMT+1. Alex is an award‑winning sports journalist who achieved the Gold Standard in his NCTJ diploma at St Mary’s University. He also works for , covering a range of sports with a particular emphasis on the National League, and on weekends you can find him at Fulham Football Club providing audio description commentary for blind and low‑vision spectators. The Football League World site invites readers to Add Us, view the Summary, Generate a summary, Like the article, Follow, Followed, Thread, Log and Here for more content.