Stoke snaps up Egyptian teenager Ramadan Sobhi
To see a list of completed deals in the summer window thus far, visit theScore's Premier League transfer tracker.
Stoke City ended its chase for Ramadan Sobhi, signing the highly rated Egyptian teenager from Al Ahly for a fee that could rise to €6 million.
(Courtesy: @stokecity)
The 19-year-old thrived in the 2015-16 campaign under the guidance of former Tottenham Hotspur manager Martin Jol, and has shown an adeptness at playing in various attacking positions, but with most notoriety on the left wing.
Sobhi won six caps for Egypt since making his bow at 17, and is widely regarded as potentially the best player his country has produced. He's nicknamed "Ramadona" in Africa due to favourable comparisons with Argentinian great Diego Maradona.
"We are absolutely delighted to have signed a player of Ramadan's undoubted quality and potential," said Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes.
"He's a special young talent who is excited about the prospect of making an impact in the Premier League and we're looking forward to giving him that platform."
The Potters' club website claims Sobhi was subject to interest from Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Arsenal before moving to the Bet365 Stadium.
It could be a busy spate of transfer activity for Stoke boss Mark Hughes, with the signings of Joe Allen and Saido Berahino appearing nearer completion. The Sobhi buy marks the first incoming player in this summer's transfer window.
Stoke begins its 2016-17 Premier League season at Middlesbrough on Aug. 13.