Stoke City, with its rich history dating back to 1863, has seen a plethora of players don the famous red-and-white stripes over the years.
Whether due to short spells, underwhelming performances, or simply being overshadowed by bigger names, these players often slip under the radar when Potters fans reminisce.
1. Michael Owen
One of the most surprising names to have represented Stoke City is Michael Owen, the former England international and Ballon d’Or winner. Owen joined the Potters on a free transfer in September 2012, signing a one-year pay-as-you-play deal in the twilight of his career. At 32, the former Liverpool and Manchester United striker was past his prime and struggled with injuries. During the 2012–13 Premier League season, Owen made just eight appearances for Stoke, with only one start, and scored a solitary goal—his 150th in the Premier League—against Swansea City. His time at Stoke was during a turbulent period under Tony Pulis, and his limited impact meant he barely registered with fans. Many supporters might do a double-take when reminded that the 2001 Ballon d’Or winner was once a Potter.
2. Giannelli Imbula
In February 2016, Stoke City broke their transfer record to sign Giannelli Imbula from Porto for £18.3 million, a move that generated significant excitement. The French midfielder, known for his flair and passing ability, was expected to bring creativity to the Potters’ midfield during their Premier League heyday. However, Imbula struggled to adapt to the physicality and tactical demands of Mark Hughes’ side. He made just 14 appearances (12 in the league) during the 2015–16 season, failing to score or provide an assist. By the following season, he was loaned out to Toulouse, and his Stoke career ended without fanfare. Imbula’s hefty price tag and lack of impact make him a player many Stoke fans have consigned to the back of their minds.
3. Jesé Rodríguez
Jesé Rodríguez arrived at Stoke on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2017, with high expectations given his reputation as a former Real Madrid prodigy. The Spanish forward was seen as a coup for the Potters, who were still in the Premier League under Mark Hughes. Jesé started brightly, scoring on his debut in a 1–0 win over Arsenal, but his form quickly fizzled out. He made 13 appearances, with only nine starts, and his time at the club was marred by off-field issues, including going AWOL. By January 2018, he was loaned out to Las Palmas, and his stint at Stoke became a footnote in the club’s history. Fans often recall the “Stokealona” era for players like Bojan Krkić, but Jesé’s brief and turbulent spell is rarely mentioned.
4. Oussama Assaidi
Another loan signing that flew under the radar was Oussama Assaidi, who joined Stoke from Liverpool for the 2013–14 Premier League season. The Moroccan winger, known for his pace and trickery, was brought in by Mark Hughes to add flair to the squad. Assaidi made 19 appearances, scoring four goals, including a memorable curling strike against Chelsea. Despite some bright moments, he never secured a permanent move, and his impact was overshadowed by other attacking talents like Marko Arnautović. Assaidi returned to Liverpool at the end of the season and later moved to clubs in the Middle East. His one-year stint at Stoke is often forgotten amidst the club’s more prominent Premier League stars.
5. Wilson Palacios
Wilson Palacios, the Honduran midfielder, is perhaps best remembered for his time at Wigan Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur, but he also had a stint at Stoke City that many fans overlook. Signed for £8 million from Tottenham in August 2011, Palacios was expected to bring tenacity and experience to Tony Pulis’ midfield. However, injuries and competition for places limited him to just 18 appearances across four seasons, with no goals or assists to his name. His time at Stoke was disrupted by personal issues and a failure to replicate the form he showed earlier in his career. By the time he left for Miami FC in 2015, Palacios had become a peripheral figure, and his spell at the club is rarely discussed among supporters.
