January Transfer Window: is Marc Muniesa departing Stoke City?
By Jack Dudley
Some like it, some don’t, but the January transfer window is fast-approaching. This season, Stoke City’s predicted involvement remains unclear – but the exit door may be used first.
Out-of-favour Stoke City defender Marc Muniesa is currently being touted as the first departure from the Bet365 Stadium in 2017.
Muniesa has been very much accustomed to a seat on the bench this season.
The Spaniard is yet to start a game for the Potters. With only one substitute appearance to his name, it’s clear that manager Mark Hughes may see that his time is up.
Muniesa has only played 16 minutes for Stoke City in the league this season. A short cameo in the 2-0 win over Sunderland his only time on the pitch.
In a bid to retain match fitness, the 24-year-old has been playing with the under-23 side.
The left-back arrived in Staffordshire in 2013. His contract expiring at Barcelona allowed the Potters to secure his services on a free transfer.
Since making the switch, Muniesa has made 48 league appearances for the Potters.
Where to next for Muniesa?
It appears that things aren’t quite yet completely settled at Stoke City.
A recent run of good form has been somewhat put on the back burner following the home defeat to Bournemouth.
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A mixture of suspensions and injuries seem to have interrupted any potential rhythm, and it remains to be seen whether Mark Hughes will spring into action in January.
In order to do so, players such as Muniesa may need to be moved on.
In his native Spain, both Real Betis and Grenada appear to be the early front-runners to gain his signature.
A move home and back to La Liga may be the right course of action for Muniesa to take, as opportunities may remain thin at Stoke.
The arrival of Bruno Martins Indi and the depth of a fully-fit squad appear to have sent Muniesa down the pecking order.