Stoke City underwent a huge midfield overhaul over the summer transfer window, and as a result, there have been some casualties, as one player in particular could be on the move come January.

Stoke started the 2026/27 Championship campaign with three defeats on the bounce, but have since bounced back emphatically, with six wins, one draw, and one defeat in their following eight.

The Potters, under Mark Robins, will be hoping they have turned a corner for good and that this is no flash in the pan, as the former Coventry City boss will believe it to be the latter.

Robins oversaw his second summer transfer window in charge in the Potteries and heavily focused his recruitment in the midfield area, as naturally, there have been some sacrifices as a by-product.

Tomas Rigo has seen his minutes at Stoke City slashed and could leave in January

Stoke completed the additions of Ethan Galbraith, Djibril Soumare, and Svante Ingelsson over the summer to reinforce the middle of the park, as Lewis Baker, Steven Nzonzi, and Tatsuki Seko all left.

Ben Pearson and Tomas Rigo both remained at the club to fight for their places, but so far, both have struggled to earn many minutes, with the latter's situation especially concerning.

Rigo, 24, only joined Stoke last summer on a four-year deal from Czech side Banik Ostrava for around €4 million (£3.3 million) after being forced to wait to complete the deal, and would go on to make 33 appearances across all competitions in his debut year in England.

However, after starting the first game of the season and providing an assist, the Slovakian international has earned just 14 league minutes since, and has lately been cut from the matchday squads entirely, as Football League World takes a look at two Championship clubs that should consider offering Rigo an escape route in January.

Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn Rovers were tipped by many to be involved in a relegation battle before the start of the season after another difficult summer window, but the former Premier League champions have performed well beyond those expectations so far.

If Tony Mowbray can keep his side relatively injury-free throughout the course of the season, there is no reason why Blackburn can't be involved in the play-off scrap come May.

However, an extra body or two across almost all areas of the pitch wouldn't go amiss in the January window, and with a lack of funds, loans will be the likeliest route Rovers will explore.

The midfield area in particular is quite light as things stand, with Kristi Montgomey and Moussa Baradji the only two deeper midfielders in the squad under the age of 35, with Adam Forshaw and Sam Morsy offering competition.

Another option in that area of the pitch wouldn't go amiss, as Blackburn should consider a loan swoop for Rigo, with the Slovakian likely to become available in January if his minutes don't receive a drastic increase in the next couple of months.

The 16-capped Slovakian international is capable of playing anywhere across the midfield, and would provide an excellent option in numerous roles for Mowbray to utilise him in, and on a loan, there are few risks, if any, that would come with this deal, as this is one Blackburn must consider.

Where do you think Tomas Rigo should go in January if he were to leave Stoke? Would you like to see him at your club? Share your thoughts below!

Cardiff City

Like Blackburn, Cardiff City were also tipped by many as potential Championship relegation candidates this season following their promotion from League One, and whilst they aren't quite out of troubled waters as yet, their underlying numbers suggest they will be more than fine.

Brian Barry-Murphy has got the Bluebirds playing some excellent stuff across the board, and if they can translate their domination of games into three points more often than not, they have absolutely nothing to worry about in terms of relegation.

However, the January window will present a window of opportunity to add some much-needed quality to the squad that has the capability of getting the Welsh outfit over the line, and with midfield looking noticeably week, Rigo could be an excellent option for Cardiff.

Whilst each of Joel Colwill, David Turnbull, and Alex Robertson can play in the deeper midfield role and Jack Moylan and Cian Ashford can play in the more advanced midfield role, one or two injuries would create an alarming lack of options for the Irish head coach.

Only on a loan, Rigo can cover numerous positions and add some much-needed international experience to the Cardiff ranks, and with a point to prove, a switch to the Welsh captial may be beneficial for all parties.