After failing to get a work permit the Potters loan Agudelo to Utrecht.
Stoke City have completed the long awaited transfer of USA international Juan Agudelo and immediately loaned the striker to FC Utrecht.
The Potters were denied a work permit for the 21-year-old back in November and deliberated whether to push ahead with the deal, but have decided that Agudelo is worth the hassle.
“We were surprised and bitterly disappointed when our application for a work permit was rejected by the appeals panel – as were many other people in the game,” Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes told the club’s website.
“It’s still our view that Juan is a great talent and is a player that Mark Hughes would like to join our squad. We have therefore decided that we are going to reapply for a work permit at the earliest opportunity.
“We have signed Juan but he cannot play in this country, so we’re loaning him out to Utrecht to allow him to not only develop his experience of playing in Europe but also to stay match sharp.
“Hopefully we will be successful with our second work permit application and Juan will be able to join Mark’s squad in advance of next season.”
Agudelo was playing for MLS side New England Revolution before the starlet’s contract expired at the beginning of January 2014.
The forward also has experience with New York Red Bulls and CD Chivas and has earned 17 caps for the USA national team, scoring two goals.
Stoke now have to wait four months until they can appeal the decision on Agudelo’s work permit and then reapply for a new one.
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