Stoke City kept their first-team squad intact in January, but Deadline Day nearly saw a major exit. Midfielder Wouter Burger was set to join FC Midtjylland, only for the Potters to cancel the deal at the last moment.
Stoke City’s season has been turbulent, but new boss Mark Robins has brought some much-needed stability. His focus now is on keeping the club in the Championship as they battle relegation.
Their January transfer window was mostly quiet—until Deadline Day. Reports surfaced that midfielder Wouter Burger was on the verge of joining FC Midtjylland, only for Stoke to pull the plug at the last moment.
Burger, a key player despite recent inconsistency, had reportedly completed a medical and agreed terms with the Danish club. However, Stoke abandoned the deal due to their inability to find a replacement in time.
This sudden U-turn has drawn scrutiny toward sporting director Jon Walters, already a divisive figure among fans. Many now question his decision-making and handling of key transfers.
Burger, signed for £4.3m in 2023, was previously linked with Premier League clubs like Tottenham and Sheffield United. With reports suggesting Stoke valued him at £12m, it’s unclear if Midtjylland’s offer matched their expectations.
The mishandling of this transfer has only added to frustrations with Walters, whose leadership has been under fire following managerial instability and poor decisions.
While Robins’ arrival offers hope, Stoke’s turbulent season and questionable choices behind the scenes leave many fans concerned about the club’s direction.
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