Photo by ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
Juan Agudelo might not be suiting up for Stoke City any time in the immediate future, but that has not stopped the free agent forward from signing a deal with the club.
Agudelo announced via his social networks on Tuesday that he has agreed to terms with Stoke despite not being able to play for the Premiership side in the near future because of his inability to secure a work permit in England. Agudelo also stated that a six-month loan is in store for him, but he gave no details as to where he will go.
There’s no other club that has supported and believed in me like @stokecity FC has. #SignedToday – 6 month loan imminent #Europeanfootballer
— Juan Agudelo (@JuanAgudelo) January 14, 2014
Agudelo becomes the fourth American currently on the books at Stoke, though Brek Shea is currently on loan at Barnsley and Maurice Edu could be moving in the near future as he searches for more playing time. Geoff Cameron is the other American on the Potters’ roster.
The 21-year-old forward, who last played for the New England Revolution in MLS, has been courted by Stoke for some time and initially planned to join the club earlier in the winter transfer window. Agudelo, however, was denied a work permit in November, which left plenty of uncertainty regarding his club future.
Still, Stoke appear convinced that they will sort that out in the not-too-distant future.
Agudelo had a solid 2013 at the club level. He started the year with Chivas USA before being traded to New England and helping the Revolution reach the playoffs. He scored nine goals and had two assists in 20 combined matches for the two clubs.
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What do you think of Agudelo signing with Stoke City? Do you see him playing a match for the club before this year ends? What league/team would you like to see him loaned out to?
Share your thoughts below.