Stoke City fans saw a familiar face back in the stands in pre-season, and an emotional swansong would make so much sense for the Potters.

Stoke City have made some impressive signings so far in the summer transfer window, but at the same time, manager Mark Robins has lost some standout stars.

The Potters were lucky to survive relegation from the Championship to League One last season, and the club have flexed their intent to remedy that, with acquisitions including Sorba Thomas, Divin Mubama and Maksym Talovierov.

Unfortunately for Robins, the window has been marred by outgoings after Wouter Burger left Stoke for Hoffenheim and Sol Sidibe’s move to PSV.

With the central midfield duo exiting Stoke this summer, and with a certain Potters legend back in training at the club, an emotional reunion would make so much sense for all parties.

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Stoke City must re-sign Potters legend Steven Nzonzi this summer

Steven Nzonzi linked up with Stoke this week, after the Frenchman was spotted in the bet365 Stadium stands to witness the Potters’ 2-1 pre-season win over Crewe Alexandra.

Nzoni was sat next to former Potters teammate, and current Stoke sporting director, Jonathan Walters in the stands, after leaving Iranian outfit Sepahan this summer due to concerns with conflicts in the Middle East.

Stoke have found a Burger replacement in Lamine Camara, after reports emerged that the Potters have offered a four-year deal to the 22-year-old RS Berkane midfielder.

Regardless, re-signing free agent Nzonzi for Stoke would be a masterstroke of business by Robins, and continue the trend of stellar summer recruits.

After arriving from Blackburn Rovers in August 2012, Nzonzi went on to make 120 appearances for the Potters, scoring seven goals and registering two assists before a £7m move to Spanish giants Sevilla.

The Stoke Sentinel reports that “Nzonzi is back training with Stoke”, and is looking to carry on his playing career before exploring a start to a coaching career.

After the exit of Burger, an Nzonzi swansong at Stoke would be an incredible addition to Robins’ squad for the 2025/26 Championship campaign.

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Mark Robins would benefit from Steven Nzonzi’s Stoke City homecoming

Burger’s exit has left Robins needing to fill the holding midfield void left by the Dutchman’s departure, and Nzonzi would be a capable replacement.

Not only would the Frenchman plug that squad gap, his experience and battle scars from his 17-year career would be a major benefit to the Stoke squad in what could be the best Championship season yet.

As well as Robins, the litany of young Stoke talent rising through the ranks of the academy would be desperate to work with the 2018 World Cup winner, meaning it is a no-lose deal for the Potters boss

Nzonzi’s final goal for Stoke came in a clash which proved to be his final Premier League outing, in Steven Gerrard’s last game for Liverpool.

Stoke beat Liverpool 6-1 in one of the most shocking Premier League results to date, in which Nzonzi scored his side’s fifth goal of the match, with a stunning long-range rocket.

After spells with Roma, Galatasaray, and Rennes, a Stoke swansong for Nzonzi is as sensible as it is sentimental for the Potters legend.