Stoke City have published their retained list to the Premier League, and the club’s Under-21 Player of the Year looks to be one of those released.
Southampton v Stoke City – Premier League
Stoke City have confirmed they will be releasing their under-23 defender Joel Taylor when his contract expires at the end of June, as stated on their official site, following the conclusion of the 2016/17 season.
The 21-year-old’s departure will bring an end to an eight-year spell with the Potters’ academy, 16 days after he won Stoke’s U21 Player of the Season award.
The left-back has impressed this season for Stoke’s U23 squad and has trained regularly with the first team under the watchful eye of Mark Hughes.
Although he made the bench for Stoke’s 3-1 victory over Sunderland and their 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Huddersfield in January, he never managed to get any minutes on the pitch.
Southampton v Stoke City – Premier League
The West Bromwich born youngster is by no means the finished product, but he has the strength and pace to be a nuisance to opposing teams down the left-hand side and would prove to be a valuable addition to any who wish to sign him.
The decision to allow the Englishman to leave is a strange one, but Taylor’s impressive season and award will surely mean he will not be without a club for long.
Southampton v Stoke City – Premier League
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