🚨BREAKING: End of an Era at the bet365 Stadium as Stoke City Release Full Exit List🚨
Stoke City have revealed the full list of players that will leave the club this summer following the conclusion of the 2025/26 Championship season, with a long-serving fan favorite included😳
📚Read More updates on Full-list😳➡️
Stoke City have officially confirmed their retained list as manager Mark Robins begins a significant summer overhaul. After a season that saw the Potters stabilize in the Championship, the club is now parting ways with several high-profile names to free up the wage bill for new arrivals.
The headline departure features a former Premier League winner and fan-favorite midfielder whose return to the club last summer provided vital leadership, but who now moves on as the club looks toward a younger core.
The Full Exit List: Summer 2026
As the Potters prepare for a fresh promotion push next season, the following senior players will officially depart when their contracts expire on June 30:
• Steven Nzonzi: The biggest name on the list. The former World Cup and Europa League winner made an emotional return to North Staffordshire last year, but at 37, the midfield general is set to move on. His experience was pivotal in mentoring the club’s younger talent over the past 12 months.
• Lewis Baker: A long-serving hero and former captain who has been a mainstay since 2022. Having signed a short-term extension previously, Baker’s time at the bet365 Stadium officially comes to an end after over 100 appearances and numerous spectacular goals.
• Aaron Cresswell: The veteran left-back brought a wealth of top-flight experience to the squad last season. However, with the club prioritizing younger defensive options like Eric-Junior Bocat, the 36-year-old will be seeking a new challenge.
• Ben Wilmot: After five years and nearly 150 appearances for the club, the reliable center-back is among those departing. Wilmot has been a cornerstone of the defense through various managerial eras, making his exit a significant moment for the squad.
• Frank Fielding: The experienced goalkeeper, who provided vital cover and a veteran presence in the dressing room, officially departs following the expiration of his contract.
• Loan Returns: In addition to the permanent exits, the club bids farewell to Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Ashley Phillips (Tottenham), Jamie Donley (Tottenham), and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi (Crystal Palace), who all return to their parent clubs following the end of their loan spells.
The Robins Revolution
While the departures mark the end of an era for several stalwarts, Mark Robins is already building around the club’s “Player of the Season,” Sorba Thomas, and rising stars like Jun-ho Bae and Viktor Johansson. The club has also confirmed that the option to make Milan Smit’s move permanent from Go Ahead Eagles is being explored following his impressive goal-scoring form.
Stoke City would like to thank all departing players for their service and wishes them the very best in their future careers.
