Spanish LaLiga side Valencia were beaten to the signing of Stoke City newboy Oghenekaro Etebo , the agent of the Nigeria international has suggested in an interview with Owngoalnigeria.com.
Etebo signed a five year deal with the Potters who were relegated from the Premier League last season and his agent revealed he could easily have joined Valencia after impressing on loan to Las Palmas.
Last season Etebo was on loan for the second half of the season to Las Palmas from Portuguese side CD Feirense and his form for the team who were eventually relegated caught the attention of Valencia.
Stoke City announced his signing for a fee reported to be in the region of €7.2m for a five year period. A move which came as a surprise considering the fact that at no point in time was he linked with a move to the club.
” Valencia wanted to wait till July before approaching Feirense. Stoke City were a bit proactive in their approach and fee was quickly agreed as they wanted to close the deal before he represents Nigeria at the World Cup “, a member of his management team told Owngoalnigeria.com.
” It’s typical of Spanish team to delay transfer decision but Etebo was keen on sorting out his future before the World Cup while Valencia wanted him to wait till after Russia 2018 “, he concluded.
Daniel Martins
