Breaking: Stoke City seal second summer transfer and ‘crucial’ bit of business

Breaking Stoke City transfer news from StokeOnTrentLive as Mark Robins adds to his squad

Stoke City have completed their second signing of the summer with the transfer of imposing centre back Maksym Talovierov.

The Ukraine international has agreed a three-year deal from Plymouth Argyle and moves for an undisclosed fee. He joins Sorba Thomas as the Potters’ new recruits so far in this transfer window.

The 6ft 4ins defender moves to the bet365 Stadium following half a season with Argyle having joined from Austrian top-tier club LASK for a club record fee in January.

The 25-year-old quickly shot to prominence with a formidable display in a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup, before heading home the opener at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City in the subsequent round.

More that that though, Argyle seemed down an out after Wayne Rooney’s few months in charge and the signing of Talovierov and loan of Nikola Katic gave saw the Green at least make a fight of avoiding what became a painful relegation.

Talovierov, who represented Ukraine at the 2024 European Championships, has also previously featured in the Europa League and UEFA Conference League for Slavia Prague and LASK.

Stoke’s sporting director Jon Walters said: “Bringing in a central defender of Maxi’s calibre is clearly a crucial and integral piece of business for the club as we continue to build towards the new season.

“In my eyes, Maxi is a Stoke City player. He plays with his heart as well as his head, so he is very much in-keeping with what our supporters love to see from their players, and he already has valuable experience of Championship football under his belt as well.

“He thrives on having shared energy and connection with the crowd, and that’s something I’m really looking forward to seeing with our fans when the new season gets underway.”

The Ukraine international defender has joined Championship club Stoke City following the Pilgrims’ relegation to League One

Maksym Talovierov has wished Plymouth Argyle ‘nothing but the best for the future’ after completing his transfer to Championship club Stoke City.

The Ukraine international defender has joined Stoke on a three-year contract, in a deal which sees Argyle recoup the money they paid for him when he signed in January, which was reported at the time to be £1.7 million, and also includes a sell-on clause.

Before the official announcement of the transfer, Talovierov posted a social media message in which he said he left Argyle ‘with some unforgettable memories’, such as the shock Emirates FA Cup win against Liverpool at Home Park and scoring against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the next round of the competition.

The 25-year-old, who joined Argyle from Austrian Bundesliga side LASK Linz, added he was ‘deeply sorry’ he and his team-mates could not save the Pilgrims from being relegated from the Championship to League One.

Talovierov said on Instagram: “Although my time at Plymouth Argyle was short, I truly enjoyed every moment. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms and felt a part of something special.

“I leave with some unforgettable memories – the win over Liverpool in the FA Cup and scoring at the Etihad are moment I’ll carry with me forever.

“I’m deeply sorry we couldn’t prevent relegation last season. Every one of us gave everything, and it hurts not to have kept the club in the Championship where it belongs.

“I want to thank my team-mates, the staff, and of course the amazing Green Army for their support throughout. I wish Argyle nothing but the best for the future and I look forward to returning to Home Park one day – it will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Stoke sporting director Jon Walters told his club’s official wdebsite: “Bringing in a central defender of Maxi’s calibre is clearly a crucial and integral piece of business for the club as we continue to build towards the new season.

“When you look at our two signings so far with Sorba Thomas as well, these are players with international pedigree who are capable of driving Stoke City forward for the long-term, and that was an important aspect of bringing them to the club.