Stoke City believe that their Nigerian midfielder Oghenekaro Peter Etebo is now keen to make a move in the January transfer window.
Etebo, with or without the help of his agent, has been linked with moves to Besiktas in Turkey and Eibar in Spain.
No known interest has surfaced in England yet, but a domestic move from Stoke is not being ruled out.
Etebo has become brassed off with his treatment since recovering from a thigh injury suffered at Sheffield Wednesday on October 22.
He has not kicked a ball in anger since and only been an unused sub on just one occasion.
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And last week he was sent to play an under-23 game at Sunderland on Monday night just as manager Michael O’Neill was questioning the impression he was leaving in training.
Recent developments suggest that Stoke have decided to try and cash in on one of the club’s more saleable assets at a time when they are keen to both recoup money, because of Financial Fair Play, and create space for O’Neill to bring in some new faces.
Etebo’s departure would be met by mixed feelings among fans, to say the least, after his energetic commitment quickly won them over following his arrival 18 months ago.
The 24 year-old Nigerian, signed by the club after the removal of Paul Lambert then had to win over new manager Gary Rowett before doing the same when Nathan Jones arrived last January.
But proving himself to a third Stoke City manager, particularly in such extenuating circumstances for the club, is looking increasingly beyond him.
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COMMENTS
Stoke City was a wrong move in the first instance. It was rough, rash and demeaning for a player of Karo’s quality. Etebo is good enough for any of the top 6 teams in the top 5 leagues of Europe.
An immediate move from that place is a welcome idea. Besiktas isnt a bad place to restart a career that once held so much promise.
For the sake of his Super Eagles career (as a sure starting 11 player) Etebo needs to get his club playing situation back on track.
I genuinely sympathise with manager Michael O’Neil and Stoke City hierarchy because, yes, they have to do something to reverse the dwindling fortunes of the once proud English Premer League club.
If that means getting rid of Etebo, fine! I would like them to get on with it sooner rather than later.
Etebo is too hard working (and high profile) a player to be languishing in the Under 23 of an English Championship club.
It is just too unacceptable.
Like I said, Stoke City have to do what they have to do to survive while Etebo has to do what he has to do to retain his international football relevance.
I was (at the time) happy that Etebo went to Stoke City.
The English Championship is a brutal league with teams fighting bitterly for promotion, survival whilst avoiding relegation at all cost!
That sense of urgency helps players develop a strong winner-takes-all mentality which builds up their resilience.
Etebo has spent about 2 seasons in this rat-race league and it might just be time for him to move on.
If not, nothing but first team regular football should be enough to make Etebo stay in this club and league.
The 2016 Olympic ace deserves better.
Meanwhile, a certain Joshua Orobosa Zirkzee came on and scored with his 1st touch in the 90th min for FC Bayern Munchen agaisnt Freiburg yesterday. It was his 2nd game for Die Rotten.
I wont be surprised if in a few months time one self acclaimed scout on this group comes out and starts laying claims to discovering him….just has he has laid claims to discovering Aribo, Noah Okafor, Okoye and even Esiti that grew up in front of our korokoro eyes…LMAO
A move away from Stoke City by Etebo is most welcome.
His joining Stoke City at the time was impulsive, probably it was partly hinged on the thinking Stoke City would make an immediate return to the EPL.But that has not been the case. Instead, Stoke City are currently starring down the barrels of relegation to League 1.
The unsavoury fortunes of Stoke City may not even be bringing out the best in Etebo.His mind may not be With stoke City any longer.
Etebo should try and re-invent his burgeoning career by seeking a move to a club where he will be happy and playing regularly.We are yet to see the best of him.