Stoke City are among a growing list of clubs monitoring Plymouth Argyle striker Lorent Tolaj, with the Potters keeping a close eye on one of League One’s most productive forwards this season.
The 24-year-old has caught attention across multiple leagues after an impressive return of 20 goals and five assists in 35 appearances, form that has naturally put him on the radar ahead of the summer window. While Belgian side Anderlecht were initially credited with leading the chase, Stoke’s interest places them firmly in a competitive race that also includes Norwich City, Swansea City and FC Copenhagen.
Goals have not been a consistent issue for Mark Robins’ outfit, but adding a proven finisher with momentum behind him would align with a squad that has shown flashes of attacking quality without always sustaining it over longer runs. Tolaj’s profile, mobile, productive, and still developing, fits the type of forward often targeted by clubs looking to bridge the gap between mid-table stability and a push higher up the division.
Any move, however, would not be straightforward. Tolaj is under contract at Plymouth until 2029, which gives the League One side significant leverage in negotiations. Although his reported market valuation sits around £500,000, that figure is unlikely to reflect the true asking price given his output and the level of interest. That raises the question of whether he represents value in a market where Championship-ready strikers often command far higher fees.
Stoke City 2025/26
Looking at Stoke’s campaign as a whole, it has been one of contrasts. A strong start, including early wins over Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday, hinted at a side capable of pushing into the top six. By November, they had climbed as high as second, backed by goals from players like Million Manhoef and Divin Mubama, and a sense of momentum under Mark Robins.
However, the season gradually lost direction. A difficult winter period saw Stoke slip out of the play-off places, with injuries, particularly to key attacking players, disrupting rhythm. January and February brought inconsistency, and although there were moments of recovery, such as wins over Oxford United and Watford, they were not sustained. Defensive solidity improved at times, reflected in a positive goal difference, but results remained uneven.
Ultimately, Stoke’s position in 16th reflects a campaign that never fully recovered from its mid-season dip. There have been signs of a competitive side, one capable of troubling stronger opponents, but also a lack of continuity that has prevented any serious push.
Targeting players like Tolaj suggests a focus on sharpening the attacking edge, something that could prove decisive if they are to turn promise into progression next season.
