Jon Walters opens up on story behind Sorba Thomas Stoke City exit

Stoke City sporting director Jon Walters has discussed the circumstances surrounding Sorba Thomas's permanent deadline-day transfer to Hull City. The winger departed for a reported fee of £7.5m, which could potentially rise to £10m with add-ons. Walters noted that the transaction represented strong trading business for Stoke, having signed the Wales international from Huddersfield for an estimated £1.5m in June 2025.

Walters understood Thomas's desire to secure a move to the Premier League at his age and maintained open communication with the player. Thomas's late departure allowed Stoke to execute a contingency plan by bringing in Justin Devenny from Crystal Palace as a replacement once Hull met the valuation.