By IVES GALARCEP
Juan Agudelo signed a lucrative contract with Stoke City in January that was supposed to help him realize his dream of playing in one of the best league’s in the world. When he had his work permit appeal denied, Agudelo went on loan to Dutch side FC Utrecht with the hope being that a good stint there would be enough to improve his chances of securing that all-important work permit.
It wasn’t enough.
Agudelo had his work permit appeal rejected for a second straight time, leaving him in limbo. As reported on Goal.com, Friday’s rejected work permit appeal voided his contract with Stoke City, making him a free agent heading into the summer.
The work permit rejection comes after Agudelo posted three goals and three assists for FC Utrecht in 14 matches, solid production, but not enough to sway the appeal panel.
Also working against Agudelo was the fact that the English Football Association had stated just a day before his work permit appeal that the work permit appeal process would become more stringent in an effort to help domestic players have more opportunities in the Premier League.
What do you think of this development? Where would you like to see Agudelo go next? Think it might be a blessing in disguise that he doesn’t join Stoke, or do you think he would have thrived with the Potters?
Share your thoughts below.