Player not sure if he’s signing for Stoke City, will meet his club’s board

 

A few months ago, it seemed pretty certain that Bruno Martins Indi would be joining Stoke City permanently at the end of the season.

Loaned out by FC Porto since last summer, it was believed the clubs had an agreement for the defender to move for a €10m fee.

But as recently revealed by manager Mark Hughes, the negotiations have hit an ‘impasse’, even though the Potters seem very convinced to spend money on the 25-year-old.

Martins Indi talked to the press after the Netherlands’ training session on Sunday, and when speaking about the move, he made it clear it’s out of his hands for now.

“There’s not much to say at the moment, because nothing is decided. After two matches with the national team, I expect to meet the FC Porto board and then we’ll see,” (via Record).

“I lived a very good experience and the balance is honestly positive, because I had the chance to compete in one of the best leagues in the world.”

The defender even avoided saying if he wants the Stoke transfer or not: “It doesn’t depend on me. I’ve been on loan from FC Porto for one year and now we have to decide what path I will follow by speaking to the management.”

With his contract running out with Porto next year, Martins Indi will probably leave the club or sign a new deal this summer, since letting him walk away for free would be an unlikely move for the Dragons.

It seems a risky move for Porto to try a bigger fee now, but with such situation coming from Portugal, we doubt nothing.