It was thought that Mark Robins would mostly have to make do with what he had at SCFC heading into the winter transfer season because Stoke City had a busy summer transfer window.
Josh Wilson-Esbrand and Ali Al-Hamadi were brought in on loan by the Potters, who were able to make a few acquisitions. Only Niall Ennis left, though, and that was the end of it.
That did not, however, deter late interest in a crucial member of the team. Danish side FC Midtjylland made a late attempt to sign midfielder Wouter Burger, but they were rebuffed in their bids for the Dutch star in the late stages of deadline day.
Now, Stoke City boss Robins has opened up on his reluctance to see any players leave late on deadline day, let alone someone as important as Burger.
The SCFC chief told Stoke on Trent Live how pleased he was to keep the 23-year-old, explaining it would have been very challenging to replace any outgoing players at such a late stage.
“We were looking at trying to do something on the incoming front and it didn’t quite manage to materialise but I’m pleased we didn’t lose anyone either,” the Stoke City boss stated.
“I’m glad Wouter is still here because there was a chance we would lose him. He is a tremendously talented player, a highly significant player, and someone who I believe has room to grow.
It would have been quite tough for me to change anyone in the squad at that point, and I believe that this player has played in every game. It is challenging to replace someone at that point, particularly given the conditions surrounding injuries, injured players, and their recoveries.
Getting back to his best
Burger was a standout performer for Stoke City over his debut season. He felt like a statement signing from FC Basel in 2023 and he played like it during the course of his maiden campaign too.
But for the 23-year-old, this season has been more difficult. He and several other players didn’t fit in with the short-lived manager Narcis Pelach’s strategies.
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