Departing Stoke City player considers next move as free agent.

Ex-Sunderland utility man among four senior players released by Stoke City this summer.

Lynden Gooch is carefully weighing his options as he approaches the end of his contract with Stoke City.

The 29-year-old will become a free agent at the end of June after spending two seasons at the bet365 Stadium. He was brought in late in the 2023 summer window by then-manager Alex Neil, his former boss at Sunderland. During his time at Stoke, Gooch made 31 starts under four different managers, showcasing his versatility by playing in a range of positions — including both full-back roles, on both wings, and even once as a number 10. Despite dealing with injuries, he delivered a strong performance in his final game, helping Stoke earn a vital point at Derby County to ensure their Championship survival.

Stoke have released four senior players this summer. Gooch, along with Michael Rose and Enda Stevens, is now seeking the next step in his career. Meanwhile, Jordan Thompson has already signed with Preston North End.

Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, Gooch said,

 “I’m not too sure at the minute. Obviously I am out of contract and I am just weighing up my options and seeing what comes my way. I just want to enjoy spending time with the family, with the kids, and then hopefully something can get sorted in the next few weeks or whenever it is.”

The Championship fixtures are set to be released on June 26, with the new season kicking off the weekend of August 9.

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