On January 25th, Stoke City completed the signing of Milan Smit from Go Ahead Eagles.
Prior to joining Mark Robins’ side, the Dutch media were excited about this operation.
Earlier claims indicated Stoke City are offering €5.5m to the Eredivisie side to sign him. De Telegraaf reported the striker’s former club, SC Cambuur, will financially benefit from his move to the Championship side.
Cambuur won’t receive funds quickly as the Potters ended up signing the 22-year-old on a loan deal. Stoke City have a conditional obligation to buy, meaning his stay will be made permanent in the summer.
Go Ahead Eagles director Jan Willem van Dop appeared as a guest on Ziggo Sport. He has discussed a few transfer related topics related to his side. Voetbal Primeur have relayed his comments focusing on Smit’s move to Stoke City.
According to the outlet, the Dutch club will collect a club-record fee of €5.5m when Stoke City make Smit’s stay permanent.
The Dutchman had scored 10 goals and contributed two assists from 28 matches this season. Following his move to Stoke City, the Eredivisie side are finding it difficult replace him.
“We’ve never handled a transfer window like this before,” he said.
“We’ve always said: Let’s see if we can get something in the winter in preparation for the new season. Now we’re really looking: We have to do everything we can to stay in the club. That means you really have to work hard.”
“If you see the prices clubs are charging… we’re working on a player, and suddenly, because of the performance of Bodo/Glimt, a competitor appears. Then you just have to back off, that’s how realistic you have to be.”
The direct then compares agreement with Stoke City Smit to game of chess.
“It’s crazy, truly crazy,” Willem van Dop explained.
“Of course, we benefited from that too [through the multi-million sale of Milan Smit]. Now we’re working on one, two, or maybe even three strikers. You have to play on different boards, that’s how realistic you have to be.”
