Manchester United miss out on deal for ‘Egyptian Messi’ as Ramadan Sobhi signs five-year deal with Stoke
The 20-year-old winger excelled under the management of Mark Hughes during his maiden season with the Potters
STOKE CITY wonderkid, Ramadan Sobhi, has signed a five-year deal following an impressive opening campaign at the bet365 Stadium.
Sobhi, nicknamed the 'Egyptian Messi', ignored keen interest from Manchester United to continue with Potters.
Sobhi arrived at the bet365 Stadium from Al Ahly last summer for a fee of £5million.
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During his first season for the Potters, the 20-year-old tallied one assist in 19 appearances.
The wonderkid is tipped to be given more game time this season as Stoke prepare for their Premier League opener against Everton on Saturday.
Ramadan will be battling against the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri for a first-team spot within Mark Hughes' well-knit side.
Reds boss Jose Mourinho has been monitoring the Egyptian's progress ever since he joined for the Potters in 2016.
After signing the new long-term deal, Sobhi told the club website: "I'm delighted to be signing this contract. I'm proud to be part of this club and I'm determined to repay Stoke City for the faith they showed in me in signing me at just 19.
"Thanks for the fans for the support they gave me throughout last season.
"I received a friendly and good welcome from everyone at the club, including my teammates and the management team in my first season.
"Last season was good but I am confident that the best is yet to come."
Fan favourite Sobhi was already under contract with Stoke until 2020, but Mark Hughes was keen to tie him down to deter any outsider interest.
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Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes told the club's website: "There's no doubting that Ramadan is an exciting young talent.
"We are delighted to have secured him on a contract until at least 2022.
"The first year in a new league and it's fair to say new culture is always going to be challenging for a player.
"However, Ramadan has adapted to the league and country very quickly and showed that he has enormous potential."
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