Standard Liège Push for Stoke City’ Target Transfer Deadline Looms

Standard Liège are making a late attempt to land Stoke City defender Eric Bocat before the Belgian transfer window closes.

The Jupiler Pro League side have identified the Frenchman as their priority left-back signing after a frustrating summer search.

Wilmots Identifies Key Target

Journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that Standard have ‘finally settled’ on the 26-year-old after efforts to bring in Eduard Sobol from Strasbourg failed. Head coach Marc Wilmots is eager to strengthen his options on the left, with Bocat viewed as an ideal fit due to his pace, defensive awareness and previous experience in Belgian football.

The club have tabled a proposal for a loan move with a €2 million option to buy. While Stoke are unwilling to sanction a deal so close to the end of their own business, both the player and Standard are believed to be keen to make the switch happen. Negotiations remain difficult, but the interest underlines Standard’s ambition to add quality in a key position.

Bocat’s background makes him a logical target. After developing in France with Dijon, Brest and Lille, he moved to Belgium with Mouscron in 2020, where he established himself despite the club’s financial problems. A subsequent switch to Sint-Truiden in 2022 saw him flourish, missing just three games in the 2023–24 season before sealing a move to Stoke last summer for around €1.5 million plus add-ons.

His debut campaign in England was demanding, featuring 34 appearances as Stoke battled relegation and ultimately survived on the final day. This term, however, he has only made three substitute appearances, prompting speculation that he could be open to a fresh challenge where regular football is more likely.

Standard’s need for reinforcements is clear. The squad currently includes Alexandro Calut, Boli Bolingoli and Souleyman Doumbia at left-back, but all three see their contracts expire in 2026. Bringing in a player like Bocat, who already knows Belgian football well, would provide a medium-term solution and ease transition in the coming seasons.

Whether Stoke are willing to change their stance before the deadline remains uncertain. Mark Robins, who took charge earlier this summer, is reluctant to weaken his squad, yet the opportunity for Bocat to return to familiar territory may create pressure from the player’s side. For now, Standard’s pursuit continues as Wilmots and the club hierarchy push for a breakthrough.

Site Opinion

From Standard Liège’s perspective, this is a chance to secure a proven defender with the versatility and athleticism required to strengthen a key position. Stoke’s reluctance is understandable, but their stance could soften if the player makes his desire to leave clear.

Even if a deal cannot be concluded before the Belgian deadline, this feels like groundwork being laid for January, when Standard could revisit the move in stronger circumstances.