Stoke City close in on SDFC left-back Luca Bombino ahead of transfer deadline

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/51242078

Peter Smith Stoke City reporter

20:22, 28 Aug 2026Updated 20:32, 28 Aug 2026

Stoke City are believed to be closing in on a deal for San Diego FC's exciting young left-back Luca Bombino. The 20-year-old United States youth international is expected to head to England in hope of finalising a deal, as per a report in The Athletic.

It is understood that Bombino's fee could rise to $5 million (£3.7m) and, although plates are spinning heading towards transfer deadline day on Tuesday, it does not mean a departure is imminent for Eric Bocat. Aaron Cresswell is currently recovering from a knee injury while loan signing Ben Johnson can play on the left although he is primarily a right-back.