A Massive Coup! – Jese Rodriguez’s Arrival Is A Huge Statement Being Made By Stoke City
Stoke City are set to announce the loan signing of Paris Saint-Germain forward Jese Rodriguez, according to reports from the Telegraph.
The 24-year old was lined up by Serie A side Fiorentina, who were eyeing a two-year loan deal and then make the move a permanent one. But the Daily Mail claims that the player has turned down the move in order to play in the Premier League.
Stoke have been in the market for a new forward all summer, after a disappointing 2016/17 season. The search for a player who can play as a centre-forward and on the flanks intensified, after the club sold marquee player Marko Arnautovic and veteran forward Jonathan Walters to fellow Premier League clubs West Ham United and Burnley respectively. Add to that the impending sale of Joselu to Newcastle United, it does leave them thinly-stretched in their attacking options.
The Potters did sign Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting for free last week, but manager Mark Hughes is believed to be not entirely satisfied with his strike-force comprising of a misfiring Saido Berahino, an ageing Peter Crouch and an inconsistent Mame-Biram Diouf.
Jese does fit the bill for the type of the player that Hughes and Stoke are looking for. The Real Madrid academy product may have endured a difficult year in France after his big money move from the Spanish capital to the French capital last summer, but he has done enough in the past to deserve another shot.
Jese joined PSG for a €25million fee, but could never really settle at the Parc Des Princes as he struggled to make an impact for Unai Emery’s side. In the first-half of the season, the Spain youth international managed just 14 appearances for the club, finding the back of the net on just 2 occasions.
His ineffective displays led to the French heavy-hitters loaning him out to La Liga outfit Las Palmas for the second half of the season. Back in Spain, the 24-year old did show some semblance of form, when he managed 3 goals and a solitary assist, playing 16 times in the La Liga.
Able to play anywhere in the attack, be it as a centre-forward or out on the flanks, Jese has displayed plenty of traits indicating that he can be a more than decent option to have in the squad. He has the pace and the skills on the ball and is a quality finisher as well with a sharp instinct and a keen eye for goal.
The Spaniard may have struggled in France, but his 18 goals and 16 assists for Madrid in 94 games indicate that he has the ability to make it at this level. His experience in Europe and the winning mentality – having won a number of trophies during his time with Madrid, will make him a great addition to the ranks and will be a major improvement on the likes of Berahino and Diouf.
Given a boost of confidence by the manager and a regular run in the playing XI, Jese could get his mojo back and would turn out to be a great piece of business for the Potters.