Stoke City made the perfect start to their season with a 3-1 triumph over Derby County at the weekend. New manager Mark Robins is intent on driving real improvement at the club, and an opening-day win gives him a strong base to build from.
The Potters have backed Robins with several new arrivals, though they’ve also seen key exits in Wouter Burger and Sol Sidibe. With the transfer window still open, further business is expected — and another addition looks close.
According to reporter Lorenzo Lepore on X, Stoke have agreed a fee of around €4m with Banik Ostrava for midfielder Tomas Rigo. The 22-year-old has already settled personal terms, meaning the deal should be straightforward. It has been delayed until after Ostrava’s match on Thursday but is expected to be sealed next week.
Rigo has been tracked by clubs across Europe — including Rizespor, Hellas Verona, Stuttgart, PSV, Ajax, FC Twente, and Sevilla — with Twente even having a €2m bid knocked back earlier this summer.
Who is Tomas Rigo?
A five-cap Slovakian international, Rigo currently plays for Banik Ostrava in the Czech league, having joined from Slavia Prague in 2023. After starting his youth career with Ruzomberok, he rose through Slavia’s academy before breaking into senior football.
Naturally a central midfielder, he can also feature wide left or adapt into either a holding or advanced role. His flexibility should be a big boost for Stoke after losing Burger and Sidibe.
A Championship move would be a step up in competition, but Rigo is highly regarded and already has senior international experience, making him a potentially shrewd signing for Robins’ side.
Another sign of Stoke backing Robins
If confirmed, Rigo will become Stoke’s ninth signing of the summer, underlining the club’s support for their new boss. Given last season’s struggles — where they narrowly avoided relegation — major investment was essential.
Robins’ track record at Coventry suggests he can transform the Potters, and after their opening-day win spirits are high. With Sheffield Wednesday up next, Stoke will hope their new recruits can keep momentum building.
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