Stoke City look set to sign Japanese midfielder Tatsuki Seko with the 26-year-old completing his medical today, as per The Athletic.
Stoke City are looking to get some more deals over the line before tonight’s 11pm deadline.
The window has been a busy one for Steven Schumacher and co. It’s been his first summer window at the helm at the Bet365 Stadium, giving him a real chance to make the squad his own after taking over halfway through the 2023/24 campaign.
It seems business isn’t done yet though. Japanese midfielder Tatsuki Seko has been heavily linked in recent weeks, and it looks as though a deal for the 26-year-old will get done.
As per a fresh update from The Athletic, Stoke City are now finalising the deal with Kawasaki Frontale to bring Seko through the door. He will complete his medical today before the move can be wrapped up.
A fee is not mentioned, but it looks to be another smart bit of business from the Potters as they return to Asia in their recruitment.
A needed signing
With Lewis Baker completing a move to Blackburn Rovers, Burnley chasing Josh Laurent and Daniel Johnson released, this is a deal that Stoke City are in need of.
Seko offers his services as both a defensive and central midfielder. It will be his first foray outside of Japanese football having managed seven goals and seven assists in 93 games at Kawasaki Frontale.
He previously impressed with Yokohoma United too.
It will be a big step up for Seko to make, moving over to the Championship. However, he is highly rated in his native and it will be hoped he’s well-equipped to make a name for himself in the red and white stripes of Stoke City.
Back to the Asian market
Clubs up and down the country seem to be dipping into the Asian market with more regularity and having found success there themselves, Stoke City look set to return there for Seko.
The Potters signed attacking midfielder Bae Jun-ho last summer and the young South Korean has been a big hit. He’s become one of the club’s standout players over the past year and is touted for a big future.
Seko will be hoping to follow in his footsteps and become a star for Schumacher.
It’s a big challenge to move from the J-League to the Championship, but the Potters believe Seko is a player capable of making that jump.
