Mark Robins must hijack Derby County’s Anis Mehmeti move to rescue Stoke City job

Stoke City’s difficult start to the new campaign has placed increasing pressure on Mark Robins, and the manager may need to make another attacking addition quickly if he is to turn the situation around.

The Potters opened the season with a comfortable 2-0 League Cup victory against Oldham Athletic, but their Championship campaign has started badly. Stoke have suffered defeats against Swansea City and Southampton in their opening two league fixtures, leaving Robins under growing scrutiny.

Two losses at this stage of the season are hardly enough to trigger panic on their own, but Stoke’s wider record is far more concerning. They have now lost 20 of their last 34 league matches, winning only seven during that period, highlighting how long their poor form has continued.

Robins has received significant financial backing this summer, with Stoke spending £10 million on Ethan Galbraith, an initial £6 million on George Hirst and £3.4 million on Djibril Soumare. However, their attacking options remain a major concern with the transfer deadline approaching.

Stoke should beat Derby to Anis Mehmeti

Stoke have brought in seven players during the summer, but Hirst is still their only major attacking addition. With the deadline rapidly approaching, strengthening the forward line has become an urgent priority for Robins.

Several existing options have either departed or could soon leave. Milan Smit, Emre Tezgel and Nathan Lowe have all gone out on loan, while Bae Jun-Ho has been linked with Lyon. Hull City have also seen a bid for Sorba Thomas rejected, and Robert Bozenik is reportedly available for transfer.

Ato Ampah is yet to make his Stoke debut after arriving from Chelsea, while Sam Gallagher’s injury problems have raised further doubts over the club’s attacking depth.

That leaves Stoke needing another versatile forward, and Ipswich Town’s Anis Mehmeti could be an ideal solution.

The 25-year-old has attracted interest from Derby County, with reports suggesting the Rams are considering a move for the Albania international. Stoke should therefore look to enter the race and attempt to beat their Championship rival to his signature.

Mehmeti could transform Stoke’s attack

Mehmeti began his youth career with Fulham, Tottenham and Norwich before dropping into non-league football with Woodford Town. He eventually returned to the professional game with Wycombe Wanderers in 2020.

His performances for Wycombe earned him a move to Bristol City in January 2023. During his three-year spell at Ashton Gate, Mehmeti made 136 appearances in all competitions, scoring 26 goals and providing nine assists.

Ipswich subsequently signed him in January 2026 for an initial £3 million.

His Championship numbers last season demonstrate why Stoke should be interested. Mehmeti made 46 appearances, scoring 10 goals and registering seven assists. He also created 61 chances and completed 53 successful dribbles, while his expected-goals figure stood at 10.44.

The attacker’s versatility is another major attraction. He can operate in multiple positions across the final third, which would give Stoke greater flexibility and provide additional support for Sorba Thomas.

Ipswich have plenty of attacking competition, with players such as Daizen Maeda, Emersonn, Marcelino Nunez, Jack Clarke, Jaden Philogene, Kasey McAteer, Sindre Walle Egeli, Julio Enciso, Abdul Fatawu and Chuba Akpom all competing for opportunities.

That could make Mehmeti’s position at Portman Road uncertain, potentially opening the door for a move before the deadline.

For Stoke, signing him should be considered a priority regardless of whether a permanent transfer proves financially difficult. Finding a way to bring the Albanian to the bet365 Stadium could significantly improve their attacking threat.

Stoke urgently need more attacking options

The Potters’ situation in the final third could become even more problematic before the window closes.

Bae Jun-Ho, Thomas and Bozenik could all depart in the coming days, leaving Stoke with even fewer established attacking options.

There have also been suggestions among supporters that Million Manhoef could leave, although there does not appear to be any concrete interest in the Dutchman at present. With Manhoef entering the final year of his contract, however, his future could become another issue for the club.

At present, Lamine Cisse appears to be one of the few forwards certain to remain beyond deadline day.

That makes attacking recruitment absolutely essential, and Mehmeti would provide the kind of quality and versatility Stoke currently lack.

Robins needs Mehmeti to ease the pressure

Despite the campaign being only two matches old, Robins is already under significant pressure following Stoke’s poor run of results extending from last season.

The manager was expected to build a squad capable of competing near the top end of the Championship rather than merely fighting relegation. Based on Stoke’s opening performances, that ambition currently looks some way from being achieved.

Robins has already received considerable backing in the transfer market, meaning there can be little excuse for allowing the squad to remain short of attacking quality.

Hijacking Derby’s pursuit of Mehmeti would give Stoke another proven Championship performer while addressing one of the most obvious weaknesses in the squad.

With pressure mounting at the bet365 Stadium, bringing Mehmeti to Stoke could prove one of the most important moves Robins makes before the transfer window shuts.