Winger Chinonso Chibueze, a 20-year-old English and Nigerian national, has joined National League North club South Shields on a loan that will last until January. According to academy director Jack Higgins, Stoke had been actively searching for a suitable loan for the player to start his career in senior football. Higgins noted that Chibueze has a strong academy background from both Chelsea and Stoke, and added that the club will be watching his performances. Higgins also wished him luck for the initial half of the season. In the 2025/2026 season, Chibueze made 36 appearances in the Premier League 2, scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists.