Stoke City: Erik Pieters linked to Fenerbache
By Kee Min
The Dutch left back’s time at Stoke may be limited. The Turkey giants are reportedly planning a move for Erik Pieters in January.
Erik Pieters is linked to Fenerbache, according to a Turkish website Ajansspor.
The Dutchman has been a fixture in Stoke City’s starting eleven. He is one of two Potters who started all thirteen Premier League games – with the other being Darren Fletcher.
Despite his playing time, Pieters has not been not-so-sensational. Even though he is playing the more advanced role than he has his entire career, the Dutchman has not recorded a goal or an assist.
However, Pieters is not the only target for Fenerbache. The Turkish club is also targeting a Chelsea duo of Baba Rahman and Kenedy. While their talents are undeniable, Pieters is the most experienced of the bunch. Fenerbache is currently sitting at third place in the Turkish league, six points behind the leader Galatasaray. They are also pushing for the second place, where they would qualify for the Champions League.
Even though Pieters has featured numerously for Hughes’ team, his departure would not be the end of the world. Stoke City brought in Josh Tymon from Hull City last summer. He has yet to make an appearance for the Potters.
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In the end, you have to reflect on Stoke’s current standings in the league. Can they really afford let go a player that has been a fixture in the starting eleven, when they are battling relegation? How long until Tymon is integrated into the system? Can they really wait that long? While immediate cash sounds nice, a struggling team like the Potters should not let go of its regular members so easily.