Nigerian Football
OGHENEKARO ETEBO SWITCHES TO STOKE CITY ON €7.2M DEAL
Like compatriot, Leon Balogun, Super Eagles’ midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo is not one of the players who will be using the World Cup as a shop window as he has changed club and will be moving to England to join Stoke City.
The club has confirmed the €7.2m (£6.35m) signing of 22-year-old Nigerian midfielder from Portuguese club, Feirense.
Etebo is reported to have signed a long term five-year contract with the Potters until 2023.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at Las Palmas in La Liga and will now be tasked with helping Stoke return to the Premier League at the earliest opportunity after their relegation to the Championship in May.
Stoke claim to have sealed the deal ahead of Premier League and Bundesliga clubs.
“We are delighted Etebo has chosen to join Stoke City, becoming our first signing of the summer,” chief executive Tony Scholes told the club’s official website.
“I’m particularly pleased that he took the time to look beyond our current league status and understand who we are as a club before choosing us ahead of current Premier League and Bundesliga clubs.”
Stoke City’s new manager, Gary Rowett reportedly said: “We’re really excited to have got the deal over the line for Etebo. I’m looking forward to seeing him in a Stoke City shirt as I’m sure our supporters are too.
“Etebo is a very mobile, energetic midfielder and he’s a great age. He has played in the top divisions in Portugal and Spain and, of course, he’s heading into the World Cup with Nigeria which will be an amazing experience for him.”