Afobe Convinced Me To Join Stoke – Batth

Danny Batth has completed his switch from Wolves to Stoke and says Benik Afobe was key in persuading him to make the move.

The ex-Wolves skipper’s transfer to the bet365 Stadium was officially confirmed on Tuesday morning, the 28-year-old signing a three-and-a-half year contract with the Potters paying an initial fee of £3million, potentially rising to £4million.

Batth, who cut short a season-long loan at Middlesbrough to join Stoke, had been the longest-serving player on the books at Molineux having joined the club as a 10-year-old, going on to make 212 appearances for the senior team.

The defender says former Wolves forward Afobe had a big influence in his decision to move to Stoke, the striker having made the same switch during the summer transfer window.

“I managed to get a few minutes with Benik on the phone,” Batth said. “I’ve played with him twice in different spells at Wolves – I know him really well and we’ve kept in touch.

“He spoke volumes about the club and what the new manager is trying to do. “The transfer happened really quickly and now I’m just looking forward to finding my feet and training with the boys.”