‘Junho can play in a number of positions, but he’s best as a 10’

BAE Junho is heading towards a career crossroads this summer after two seasons at Stoke City.

- Peter Smith

The 21-year-old playmaker, who is currently back in South Korea on international duty with their under-22s team, admits he has been disappointed by the follow-up term to 2023/24, when he was named player of the year thanks to his flourish towards the finish.

His agents were at Clayton Wood in the spring and have been in contact with prospective suitors as the transfer window opens. He is under contract until 2027.

It has been a fairly turbulent time at the bet365 Stadium since he joined from Daejeon Hana Citizen, living in Hanley to stay fairly close to Stoke’s training ground but having to adapt to life under four different managers in a side struggling at the wrong end of the Championship.

He has played 89 times for the club so far, scoring five goals, mostly from the left of a front line, and it remains to be seen what happens next. Here are words from those who have watched him and worked with him.

MARK ROBINS: HE CAN BE SUCH A TOP PLAYER

Robins said: “He speaks brilliant English. | think he was kidding me on at the start. He’s a really good lad.