Stoke City are considering a move for Benfica winger Andre Carrillo as Mark Hughes wants to add some quality to the side to have a fair chance in the next season. Despite having a talented squad, the Potters endured a very erratic campaign which concluded in a very disappointing manner as they finished in the 13th position in the English Premier League.
This upcoming season would be very crucial for Mark Hughes who is currently under the scanner after last season’s dismal performance. The former Manchester United player’s reputation is at stake at the moment and he might lose his job at the club if the present scenario doesn’t change next term.
Stoke have so far secured the services of three players including the prized scalp of Darren Fletcher from West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer but Hughes is not yet done with his summer business.
The surprise departure of Marko Arnautovic has left the gaffer in a difficult position. The Austrian winger chose to switch his allegiance to West Ham United in one of the most surprising transfers in the season and Hughes has a very difficult task on his hands now.
His priority would be to fill the space vacated by the Austrian winger and Carrillo could be his successor. The winger’s excellent performance for Alianza Lima earned him a very lucrative deal when he joined Sporting Lisbon in 2011.
The 26-year-old had a very productive spell at the Portuguese club but was a part of a severe controversy when he rejected the chance of signing a new deal in his last year of the contract and eventually joined their city rivals Benfica on a free transfer.
He could have been playing in the Premier League as Leicester City’s offer for the winger got accepted by the Portuguese club but he had intervened in the transfer and refused to move.
Stoke definitely need some lethal attackers on the flanks and Carrillo could energise their attacking options. A number of Premier League clubs including Huddersfield Town and Watford are also monitoring his movements and might come up with an exciting offer for the player.
The Terriers even had a £500,000 loan offer rejected by the club as the Portuguese side were looking for a permanent deal. The Peruvian international started just three games last season and is looking for a fresh start.
He hasn’t had much game time in the last two seasons but that shouldn’t be a problem for a player of his stature. It would be a delight to see him combining with Xherdan Shaqiri who hasn’t lived up to the expectations so far.
