One of the more random transfers of the January transfer window in the exit department was that of Erik Pieters being loaned out to Amiens.
The Stoke defender had played 21 times in the Championship up until then, scoring two goals and picking up two assists, yet it was decided he would be sent to France for the second half of the season.
Speaking to Le 11 Amiénois, the 30-year-old revealed how the move came about.
He said: “It all happened at the last minute. I wasn’t expecting to leave Stoke City. Everything was sorted in the last few hours and I ended up at Amiens.
“I don’t regret this choice because, looking back at it, I realised it was a good decision. I didn’t know much about the club. Just before, I asked my agent to gather some information.”
Since then, Pieters has made seven appearances for the Ligue 1 club, and done rather well, picking up the fans’ player of the month award in March.
The club appear to be relatively safe from relegation despite being 17th, holding a seven point lead over Caen and tied with Monaco with 30 points.
There is little chance of Pieters staying in France beyond the season, and the expectation is that he’ll return to the bet365 Stadium ahead of the summer transfer window.
