Why Stoke City should sign Vlad Chiriches from Napoli this summer

Stoke City are planning to sign ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Napoli defender Vlad Chiriches to bolster their defensive department. But reports are suggesting that their initial bid of €15m has been rejected by the Italian club.

The Potters are in dire need of a quality centre-back to shore their defence up, which was abysmal last season. New manager Gary Rowett must solidify his team’s base before looking for attacking options in the transfer window.

However, despite the fact that Napoli have rejected the first bid, Stoke must splash money on the player because he is a quality defender who is certain to improve the team.

Here’s why the Romanian will be a vital addition to the Potters’ cog, which needs reconstruction following their relegation to Championship football:

Player Analysis – Vlad Chiriches

Age – 28

Main Position – Centre-back

Chiriches is a no-nonsense defender who is capable of playing the physical game in England. One of his main attributes is his unwavering concentration and his deftness at supplying crosses and through balls. He is known for making crucial interceptions, at an average of 2.3 per game, to break the opposition build-up.

The 28-year-old has a good passing range, with a success rate of 91% for a pass distance of 18 metres. Foraying a long diagonal to switch the point of possession is truly impeccable, and that is something the Romanian possesses.

Furthermore, Chiriches has the stature and height required to win aerial duels, at a rate of 2.3 per game, in both boxes to dominate centre-forwards. It also makes him a threat from set-pieces.

Overall, he is a well-rounded defender who can perform various roles at the Bet365 stadium. Stoke and Gary Rowett have to increase their bid to sign him. By doing so, they will certainly enhance their chances of getting promoted next season.

Conclusion

All in all, Chiriches will bring in solidity and experience at the back for Stoke. His prior experience with Tottenham should help him settle down quickly.

For the Potters, it is a desperate situation and they need a quality defender of high pedigree to enhance the base of their team. To that end, a move for Chiriches makes complete sense.