Stoke City confirm summer signing number three as deal done for the defender after their top veteran exit
Stoke City have brought in Eric Bocat from the Belgian top flight in the last week before pre-season
Stoke City have agreed a deal for left-back Eric Bocat as their third signing of the summer.
The 24-year-old defender, who grew up near Paris and has made his name in the Belgian top flight with Sint-Truidense, arrives for an undisclosed fee believed to be just north of £1 million. He has signed a four-year contract and follows goalkeeper Viktor Johansson and centre-half Ben Gibson as close season deals.
Sporting director Jon Walters said: “I am thrilled to announce that Eric is joining Stoke City. He is a versatile, athletic, and exciting player whose attributes can help him thrive in the Championship and beyond. Eric’s ability to adapt to different positions on the field will be a tremendous asset for our team and I look forward to seeing his growth and development within our squad.
“I am confident our fans will give him a warm and enthusiastic welcome and that he will quickly become an integral part of our journey towards success.”
Bocat will meet his new teammates at Clayton Wood on Monday on the first day of pre-season. His unveiling comes on the day that Championship fixtures have been confirmed for 2024/25, with an opening day against Coventry at the bet365 Stadium.
He has a reputation for his athleticism and ability going forwards and has long been in the eye of Stoke scouts, with a deal mooted in January when the Potters ultimately had to focus their funds on strengthening the attack and brought in Million Manhoef.
“I am really happy, this is a big move in my life and my career and I am excited to get started,” he said.
“When I talked with the sporting director and head coach, they explained how they like my profile for a left-back and believe I can be a good player for the team.
“I am offensive, quick and like to dribble, however, I am a left-back firstly and my defensive attributes are very important too. It’s an area of my game I have improved a lot during the last couple of years in Belgium.
“I develop every day, as both a player and person, and I’m now ready to take the next step in my career.”
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