Stoke City has expedited the transfer of striker Milan Smit from Go Ahead Eagles following a series of injuries that have affected their squad. Initially targeting Smit for the upcoming summer transfer window, the club shifted its timeline after injuries sidelined key players, including Robert Bozenik (shoulder), Sam Gallagher (hamstring), Divin Mubama (ankle), Nathan Lowe (leg), and Emre Tezgel (ankle).
The recruitment team acted swiftly last week to finalize the deal, aiming to register Smit before he served a one-match suspension last weekend. This would allow the striker to make his debut against Southampton on January 20, 2024. Although Stoke has not publicly confirmed the timing of the transfer, Smit, who observed the recent 1-1 draw with Birmingham City, was officially announced as a new signing on Sunday morning.
Agent Nikkie Bruinenberg provided insight into the negotiations, stating, “Things really took off last Sunday (January 14) when Stoke’s striker Mubama was injured. By Monday morning, Go Ahead Eagles had received an offer.” The discussions proceeded smoothly, with both clubs maintaining efficient communication.
A verbal agreement was reached before Go Ahead’s players were scheduled to travel to Nice for a Europa League match. Bruinenberg noted that they opted against Smit playing in the game in Nice to avoid jeopardizing the potential transfer. “It was a record deal and a life-changing one for Milan,” he added.
Smit has joined Stoke on an initial loan deal that is expected to become permanent in the summer for a fee around £4.8 million. This strategic move by Stoke City aims to bolster their attacking options and navigate through a challenging period marked by injuries to several key players.
In addition to the transfer news, Stoke City seeks to engage fans with updates, including a new WhatsApp group for immediate news delivery. Fans can also sign up for a daily newsletter, ensuring they stay informed about key developments concerning the team. For a more personalized experience, the Stoke-on-TrentLive app allows users to select Stoke City as a preferred topic.
With the transfer window still open, Stoke City will likely continue to assess their squad and explore further opportunities to strengthen their ranks as they prepare for the remainder of the season.
