Stoke City has expedited its transfer plans for striker Milan Smit following a series of injuries that have plagued the team this month. Initially viewed as a target for the summer transfer window, the need for immediate reinforcement became apparent after injuries sidelined key players, including Robert Bozenik (shoulder), Sam Gallagher (hamstring), Divin Mubama (ankle), Nathan Lowe (leg), and Emre Tezgel (ankle).
In response to these setbacks, Stoke’s recruitment team acted swiftly, finalizing a deal last week to ensure Smit could be registered in time to serve a one-match suspension and be available for his potential debut against Southampton on January 20, 2024, at 12:30.
The club has been discreet about whether the registration was completed before the deadline, but Smit, who observed Stoke’s recent 1-1 draw with Birmingham City, was only confirmed as a new signing on the morning of January 21.
According to Smit’s agent, Nikkie Bruinenberg, the urgency to secure a transfer intensified on January 18, 2024, when Mubama sustained his injury. By the following morning, Go Ahead Eagles, Smit’s former club, received an offer from Stoke.
“Negotiations proceeded smoothly as both Go Ahead and Stoke maintained effective communication,” Bruinenberg noted. “A verbal agreement was reached before Go Ahead’s players were scheduled to travel to Nice for a Europa League fixture on January 24. I requested permission for Milan to travel to England for a medical examination, which led us to decide it was best not to play in Nice.”
The deal, which began as an initial loan, is expected to become permanent for a fee of approximately £4.8 million. This transfer marks a significant milestone for Smit, as it represents a record deal for Go Ahead and a transformative opportunity for the young striker.
Stoke City is facing a critical juncture in the season, and the addition of Smit could provide much-needed scoring depth. As the team continues to navigate injury challenges, his arrival could be pivotal in their campaign moving forward.
Fans and analysts are closely watching how the new signing will integrate with the squad, especially with a key match against Southampton on the horizon. Stoke City remains committed to strengthening its roster in light of recent developments, signaling an active approach to player acquisition in the current transfer window.
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