It’s very rare for players to make the leap from a league in Africa to the Premier League, but it appears Stoke City are trying to find talent in more obscure places these days, focusing on the southern continent rather than Europe.
Following the somewhat successful acquisition of young Egyptian winger Ramadan Sobhi from El Ahly Cairo last summer, the Potters have continued to scout the north African leagues, only to discover William Jebor.
According to FootMercato in France, the 25-year-old has caught the eye of the Premier League club, as well as that of Lille in Ligue 1, as Mark Hughes tries to bolster the attacking threat in his squad for next season.
Currently playing for Wydad Athletic Club Casablanca, the Liberia international has scored 17 goals in 25 appearances this season, and is also attracting interest from the Middle-East and China.
Lille are said to have already made an offer for Jebor, whose contract with WAC ends in June, which could mean that on from Stoke isn’t far behind if they want to avoid missing out on 6’1” striker.
Considering how poorly Stoke’s strikers have performed this season, it wouldn’t be too surprising if they overhauled that entire department in the summer, and the acquisition of a relatively cheap and low-risk target like Jebor could make sense.
However, it’s worth pointing out his last two attempts to make it in Europe didn’t exactly go to plan: two goals in 25 appearances with second-tier Spanish side Ponferradina and one goal in 25 appearances with Rio Ave FC.
