Latest media reports are confirming that Stoke City is close to completing the signing of Badou Ndiyae from Galatasaray for a reported fee of £14 million (although Sky believes the amount will be £15 million). The Potters are said to be only a few hours away from sealing the deal for the 27-year old to strengthen their midfield. The Senegalese made his name while playing for Osmanlispor where he scored 17 goals in 61 games despite playing as a deep-lying midfielder.
His impressive performances made him a hot property in the European market last summer but it was Turkish giants Galatasaray who ended up with the signature of the 27-year old. A £6.6 million move to Turkey was completed back in August and he joined Galatasaray on a four-year contract.
The energetic midfielder who can run from box to box and has an impressive stamina and athletic qualities will be well suited for the Premier League. With Stoke City desperate to land him in the next few hours, it seems Galatasaray has agreed to complete a quick profit on the player.
However, the deal is yet to overcome a complication which involves the player resolving his work permit and visa issues. Rob Dorsett of Sky Sports has confirmed that there are a few last minute complications to solve.
“You can see it’s not yet light here at Stoke City’s training ground but by the time the sun sets will Stoke have signed their second most expensive player ever? That man is Badou Ndiaye. A £15m transfer fee was agreed yesterday and I understand he was at the training ground last night. He’s completed the vast majority of his Stoke City medical, and we’re waiting to hear that went through successfully.
“But it could be a little bit complicated. I’m told he may have to fly out of the country again today and then fly back in because he’s only on a temporary visa right now. If he can show the authorities he’s got a permanent contract offer from Stoke City, that will get him his permanent visa so he can re-enter the country and hopefully join up with the team ahead of their game this evening.”
Stoke City was guided by Mark Hughes to three straight ninth-place finishes for 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 season, their best place finish since 1974-75 before finishing 13th last season. However, the Potters who added weight by bringing in new players like Jese Rodriguez, Kurt Zouma and Saido Berahino, has failed to perform this season.
Stoke City is known for their mettlesome defending and their physical style of football at the bet365 stadium has been popularized to the extent that it is now considered an achievement for teams who to win matches on a “cold, rainy night at Stoke”.
They are a powerful side with tall burly players all across the pitch who loves to play the physical game. However, things have fallen apart this season and with the signing of Ndiaye, Stoke will be hoping to add that much-needed steel in their midfield once again.
