Stoke City will be hoping that they can challenge the top six positions in the Championship next season, with the Potters eventually finishing the 2021/22 campaign in 14th. 

Michael O'Neill's side have finished in 16th, 15th, 14th and 14th again since their relegation from the Premier League in 2018.

In what has been several years of mid-table finishes, Stoke fans will be hoping that the upcoming season is one where they can break away from mediocrity and at least challenge at the top end of the division.

With clubs already starting the recruitment process, it is set to be an interesting summer for the Staffordshire club, with the Potters experiencing a particularly busy January.

Whilst we wait for the summer to play out, and as we wait for the 2022/23 campaign to commence, here, we take a look at how the Potters could enjoy the perfect summer transfer window in just seven steps.

Jacob Brown enjoyed a strong 2021/22 campaign, proving to be an important source of goals and a key figure when progressing up the pitch.

Possessing a tremendous amount of pace, and a relentlessness to cause opposing defences all sorts of problems, Brown is someone that the Potters will be planning next year around.

A player that is still moving in the right way towards his ceiling, the young forward has proven to be one of the more excitant forwards in the division over the last couple of seasons and keeping him would be a big boost.

Keeping Ben Wilmot would be another signal of intent by the Potters, and whilst no rumours have emerged regarding a potential exit, he is someone who possesses a lot of ability and Premier League potential.

The 22-year-old, who is a central defender by trade, has added another string to his bow, operating at right wing-back for large parts of the second half of last season.

The type of player who could certainly attract interest, Wilmot is a player that adds tremendous value to the Potters.

Agreeing fresh terms with Joe Allen would be another step in the right direction by the Staffordshire club, with the Welshman attracting lots of attention already.

Fulham, Bournemouth and four unnamed Spanish clubs have set their sights on the experienced midfielder, whilst Swansea City are providing divisional competition and a potential return to where it all started.

A technically gifted midfield operator, with excellent levels of intelligence, Allen has proven to be a top performer at the Bet 365 Stadium over the years.

Adding creativity could prove to be a big difference for the Potters in the summer, particularly a player who can commit defenders with direct running.

A player like MK Dons' Scott Twine or Newcastle United's Elliot Andersoncould be the type of signing that could help the Potters progress this season, with both adding youthful talent, and with both possessing an incredibly high ceiling.

Yes, Stoke possess several creative outlets, but the more direct service provided by the aforementioned duo could be an option at least.

Harry Souttar has missed a lot of football, and it is no surprise to see that Stoke's decline coincided with his absence through injury.

The young central defender emerged as one of the Championship's defenders during the first half of the campaign, both statistically speaking and on the eye too.

A player who dominates his aerial and ground duels, he is also extremely intelligent and has an excellent range of passing, ticking a lot of boxes for higher level clubs.

Future planning and sustainability are two increasingly important concepts within football, and ensuring that the production line produces a sufficient amount of talent can work wonders at a football club.

Subsequently, the Potters should look at adding more youthful talent to their U23s squad during the summer, and whilst it is unlikely to pay dividends immediately, it a low-risk recruitment strategy that could have high rewards in years to come.

Stoke's academy has produced some gems over the years, so adding even more quality to their production line could only be a good thing.

Harry Darling is another player who simply has to be playing his football in at least the Championship next season, with the 22-year-old enjoying an excellent campaign with MK Dons.

An excellent ball carrier, with a brilliant technical ability, he is a very mature and composed figure in central defence.

Darling is also dominant in aerial and ground duels, whilst also being able to read the game very well.

Ticking a lot of boxes, and when combining that with Stoke's faith in young centre-backs, this could be an excellent addition by the Potters.