Stoke City transfer news as Wouter Burger nears exit and Sol Sidibe update

Wouter Burger is expected to leave Stoke City to join Hoffenheim in a major moment in a busy summer transfer window.

Stoke are understood to have turned down a £5 million bid from FC Midtjylland on deadline day in January on the understanding that Burger, aged 24, could then make a move this summer.

The midfielder went on to play a key role to help Stoke secure Championship status in the second half of the season and it is clear that bosses have been pleased with his attitude and performances over those months. He has been aware of interest bubbling away and will now get a chance to play in the German top flight.

Burger was left out of a side that has lost to Liverpool 5-0 in a behind-closed-doors game on Sunday afternoon and a deal is likely to go through this week. The fee will be undisclosed but Stoke won’t be unhappy.

He joined Stoke from Basel in 2023 and has played 86 times over the past two seasons, scoring five times and captaining the team on occasion. He showed arguably his best form in a Stoke shirt post-January, having played through an ankle injury over the first few months of last season.

Stoke remain very active behind the scenes in terms of potential incomings but their position in regard to the rolling financial fair play cycle has meant that it was likely they would listen to offers for a first team asset. This imminent exit will mean they are not forced to sell anyone else.

PSV Eindhoven have shown an interest in Stoke’s England youth midfielder Sol Sidibe, aged 18, but have not got near the Potters’ valuation.

The 18-year-old started against Liverpool but the example of Burger, however, is perhaps a reminder that it is rare that a player who has had his head turned stays for the long-term.