HITC Sport understands Stoke starlet is close to new deal.
Stoke City’s Thibaud Verlinden set for new deal
Stoke City’s highly-rated winger Thibaud Verlinden is poised to sign a new deal at the club, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.
Verlinden is highly-regarded within the corridors of power at Stoke and is tipped to break into the first-team this coming season.
Stoke beat a host of top clubs to Verlinden’s signature in 2015 when they signed him from Standard Liege at the age of 15.
Verlinden, who is the son of former Belgium goalkeeper Dany Verlinden, has been earning rave reviews at Stoke’s academy since making the move to the Potteries.
The skilful attacker represents Belgium at Under-19 level and he is regarded as one of the most promising talents in his age group across Europe having been nominated for Golden Boy award that celebrates the best player aged under 21 in Europe over the last 12 months.
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes
The 18-year-old was on the fringes of Mark Hughes’ side last season, having been named on the bench in two Premier League games and one League Cup tie last season.
Verlinden was expected to make his first-team at some point last season only for a back injury in December to force him on the sidelines.
Verlinden is now back to full fitness and he has caught the eye so far in pre-season for Stoke as he stakes his claim for a place in Hughes’ plans when the season starts next month.
Stoke are keen to reward Verlinden for his progress with a new deal and ward off any potential interest in the exciting attacker.
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