Sources: Stoke City work on signing Ipswich Town’s George Hirst on loan-to-buy
Stoke City are planning on making a move for Ipswich striker George Hirst, sources have told Football Insider.
The Potters are keen on bringing in the 27-year-old this summer transfer window on loan with an option to buy.
An approach is expected to be made in the coming days for the Scotland international ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Hirst played a key role in Ipswich’s promotion campaign last season as the striker made 44 appearances in all competitions and netted 11 times.
This includes a goal against Stoke, which occurred in the 3-3 thriller back in March.
If the Potters can get a deal over the line for the Ipswich forward, he would become the club’s seventh signing of the summer so far.
How good is George Hirst?
Hirst, during Ipswich’s promotion campaign, was fantastic.
The striker reignited his form upon the club’s relegation to the Championship, and was a key reason as to why the club were promoted back to the Premier League instantly.
His importance is shown in his stats, with Hirst boasting numerous impressive numbers.
According to Fotmob on 31 July, the attacker was averaging 0.47 goals, a 0.59 xG, 2.86 shots, 1.24 shots on target, 0.13 assists, a 0.08 xA and 0.30 big chances created per 90 minutes in the Championship.
Therefore, if this can be replicated at Stoke City this season, it could go a long way in ensuring that the club is competing for promotion back to the Premier League.
How does Hirst compare to Stoke’s current striker?
When comparing Hirst to the likes of Lamine Cisse, the Ipswich man is head and shoulders better than the Stoke striker.
Last season, the Stoke attacker averaged 0.16 goals, a 0.25 xG, 1.98 shots, 0.8 shots on target, 0.16 assists, a 0.06 xA and 0.37 big chances created per 90 minutes in the Championship.
Therefore, if Stoke are able to bring in Hirst to lead their front line ahead of the new campaign, Mark Robins could finally solve his issues up top.
However, it remains to be seen if the Potters are able to get a deal over the line for the attacker, with the transfer deadline day quickly closing in.