Stoke City sign Nigeria’s World Cup-bound midfielder Etebo

Stoke City have signed Nigeria international midfielder Oghenekaro Peter Etebo on a five-year contract from Portuguese club Feirense, the second-tier Championship club said on Monday.

Etebo, who will represent his country in this month’s World Cup in Russia, is Stoke’s first signing of the close season with the Potters paying 7.2 million euros (6.4 million pounds) for the 22-year-old.

Stoke’s Chief Executive Tony Scholes said on the club’s website:

“I’m particularly pleased that he took the time to look beyond our current league status and understand who we are as a club before choosing us ahead of current Premier League and Bundesliga clubs.”

Stoke were relegated to the Championship after finishing 19th in the Premier League last season, leading to manager Paul Lambert’s exit. He was replaced by Gary Rowett last month.

“Etebo is a very mobile, energetic midfielder and he’s a great age.

“He has played in the top divisions in Portugal and Spain and, of course, he’s heading into the World Cup with Nigeria which will be an amazing experience for him,” Rowett said.

Etebo has 14 caps for Nigeria, and joined Feirense in 2016 where he made 45 appearances in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, scoring seven goals.