Various reports suggest that Stoke City are among one of the many clubs who are chasing FC Porto midfielder Sergio Oliveira. At 24, Oliveira is still at a developing phase and the fact that he is lacking game time in the Portuguese league despite showing glimpses of brilliance both at the club and at international level has had many clubs on alert.
Stoke City will have to fight with the likes of Crystal Palace, Palermo, and Cagliari to get his signature. The 24-year-old is largely an unproven prospect this season with just two appearances this and could make the move if given the attractive prospect of game time.
He is more of a Porto B team player and has been a constant starter there for the last 4 seasons. He is at an age where he simply has to play to continue his development or get stifled.
At 181 cm, Oliveira is a good central midfield prospect for the English Premier League and his technique on the ball makes him a great catch if Stoke City manage to pull the deal off. One concern will be Oliveira’s stamina, which could really prove to be a hindrance in his Premier League career. Apart from the fact that English football is very physically demanding, the clubs tend to play more matches like the FA Cup and League Cup along with the league and there is no break either.
Oliveira has exceptional technique when it comes to long shots. He has shown some eye-catching goals from distance but where the player lacks his ability is defending and pace. As he might be deployed on the wings initially before pushing deep into the midfield, he would find it difficult to survive in the Premier League.
At Stoke City, Oliveira has to combat the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Joe Allen, and Imbula before he makes to the first team. The fact that he lacks defensive abilities makes it a more difficult bargain for Mark Hughes. With Allen’s current form it is difficult to replace the Welshman.
Among the other teams, Stoke looks to be the prime destination for the Portuguese and also a wise choice keeping in mind the likes of Whelan and Adam are unlikely to play much and are way below the pecking order.
Stoke have finally turned to winning ways after starting horrendously in the Premier League this season. Looking at their squad depth, they look like a team who has the potential to finish in the top half.
