According to reports in the British media, Stoke City are poised to agree to a request from Getafe if one is made for Super Eagles midfielder Peter Etebo to prolong his stay in Spain so as to help the club conclude the season that was halted because of the Covid 19 pandemic.
I was rather surprised that Stoke City allowed Etebo to go out on loan owing to their current precarious position in the English Championship League in which the one-time settled Premier League side are now battling relegation to the 3rd tier of English football.
How the mighty is falling.
But, the 2016 Olympic football ace failed to find favour under new coach Michael O’Neil as the former Northern Irish gaffer confined Etebo to the bench much to the horror of the club fans before his eventual departure on loan to Getafe.
It will seem that the 50 year old coach knew what he was doing as Stoke City have won 5 and drew 3 out of roughly 11 games since Etebo’s departure which have propelled them to 17th position in the league (now 8 points ahead of 24th placed Barnsley).
Etebo himself hasn’t done too for himself on loan having found a new lease of life on the right side of the attacking midfield position where he won critical acclaim for some truly inspiring performances – in particular, the game against Mallorca on March 1st.
And, Etebo has also had more to be happy about as the 24 year old has been involved in 3 wins and 1 draw in 6 league matches since moving back to Spain.
Now that Stoke are doing well without Etebo and Etebo is doing well without Stoke, perhaps all parties should see how they can facilitate the midfielder’s move to be a permanent stay in a club that seems to appreciate his services.