Transfer Story
Wayne Rooney has been one of the true legends of Manchester United and as per reports his glittering career of fame and sensation seems to be coming to an end at the club and apparently many Premier League clubs seem to circle the coveted Englishman to acquire his services, with reports stating that Stoke City boss Mark Hughes is interested in signing the stalwart.
The Potters’ boss is well aware of the qualities and expertise Rooney would contribute to his squad and is plotting to put an astounding £45m on the table to fend off other suitors and acquire the exclusive service of the Englishman.
The Red Devils’ fan favourite has seen a gradual decline in his goal scoring abilities and speed up front, and with his ongoing injuries and fitness issues, although unwilling, Mourinho has seemingly decided to offload the player.
Getting only a handful of starts, the ex-Everton striker is also looking for some serious game time and consistency in the squad and move to the Potters might just provide him with that.
Let’s take a look at the United stalwart’s stats and discuss his contribution to the Britannia Stadium.
Wayne Rooney – Player Stats
- The United forward has made only 15 starts in his 25 appearances for the team in the Premier League. Inconsistent with his form and plagued with injuries and fitness issues, the striker has fallen behind in the pecking order with the gaffer opting for Ibrahimovic and Rashford in most stretches of the season.
- The star striker has contributed only 8 goals and 8 assists in all competitions for the Red Half of Manchester. Although not prolific in front of goal, many experts suggest Rooney could do extremely well if he takes upon a more central role.
- The Player has a pass success of 84% and has also made a total of 44 key passes for his team, only making the above-made statement much more obvious for the striker. With such precision and calmness in picking out players to continue the build up, he would be a key figure in the centre of the park.
- The player’s total of 22 interceptions also shows the defending qualities residing in the 31-year-old and is good at coming and defending for the team. (Stats via WhoScored)
Seeing the qualities above, it is evident that although being 31 he is a good investment for any team.
What’ll he offer to the Club?
Wayne Rooney has won every major trophy there is to win for a player at a club, showcasing the experience and expertise he has in himself with a hunger for winning silverware, an attribute that Mark Hughes needs to instil in his players.
With Rooney’s versatility in playing in different positions on the pitch, he would also provide the Potters with versatility and dynamism in the field.
Stokes has suffered to produce quality this season and the veteran striker just might be the right catalyst to propel them forward.
Worth the Money?
Stoke’s highest transfer fee for a player has been £18.3m for Giannelli Imbula and it seems highly doubtful that they would go to such an extent of £45m to lure him away from Old Trafford. The Player is no doubt worth bringing into the Potters’ squad but not at the worth of £45m.
Being a mid table club they cannot afford to spend such a huge amount on a single player who at the very best could provide 2-3 years of prime football.
But if Mark Hughes is given a bulked up war chest it would not be surprising to see the Old Trafford legend at Britannia Stadium next season. As the saying goes, “To win big, sometimes you also have to play big!”