Marc Muniesa Signs New 4-Year-Deal With Stoke

Just a couple of years since Stoke City were still being tarred with the long ball stereotype, they have suddenly found themselves with four talents acquired from Barcelona, the club which is an antithesis of the old Tony Pulis approach.

Muniesa has enjoyed a solid start to life in the Premier League and has notched up close to 40 appearances for the Potters since his move from Barcelona in 2013, despite struggling with injuries for much of his time in the Potteries.

And boss Mark Hughes seemed enthused about the prospect of the defender getting an injury free season under his belt.

“We are absolutely delighted that he has re-committed to the club”, Hughes told reporters. It was a big decision for him when he first signed for us, to leave a club of the stature of Barcelona.

However, Hughes admits Stoke are not the only club showing interest in the teenager. ‘An operation on the spine is not something you jump into readily, but our medical people felt, and Ryan agreed, he could manage it and get back to a point in his fitness to play at the right level. When he first came to us, he wasn’t as physically strong as he maybe needed to be but he’s worked very hard in the gym.

“He was prepared to do that, he saw us as a good option for him. He is a good guy, a real engaging character and we are so pleased that he is staying here with us for the long term”.

“They’re ongoing but, as with most players who are coveted, there’s a lot of other teams that have an interest and are probably having the same type of conversations that we’ve had”.