Following the financial turmoil and demotion to 4th tier Scottish football that ravaged Rangers Football Club, Maurice Edu wisely found a new league to play club ball. After 4 seasons in Scotland, Edu not only found a new place but also found a big stage to showcase his talents after agreeing to personal terms with Stoke City of the EPL. Stoke and Edu have agreed to a three-year contract; however, the University of Maryland alum will need to pass a medical examination and receive a UK work permit before the deal is officially complete.

The 26-year-old American will join fellow international teammate, Geoff Cameron, at Britannia Stadium. Like Edu, Cameron just completed a deal with Stoke City this week. To add to this Hollywood script, Edu and Cameron were recently paired together by Jurgen Klinsmann in the center of the US’ defense. How recent? The two footballers served as the foundation of the Yanks’ backline on August 15th, for the Americans historic 1st victory vs. Mexico in Azteca.

Stoke City secured one point in their season opening match vs. newly promoted side, Reading. Tomorrow, the Potters will take on Arsenal in an effort to continue to move in a positive direction up the table.

This is a superb move for Maurice Edu’s career, as he fights for a starting position at the international level with the Yanks. Whether it’s in the midfield or at central defense Edu will need to feature regularly for Stoke to force Klinsmann’s arm throughout World Cup Qualifying.

I do believe Edu has the toughness and technical ability to compete at the EPL level and as a result of the league’s top quality, Edu’s game should continue to mature. The issue for Edu right now is consistency at one position. With Edu currently on the outside looking in when it comes to the US midfield due to positional depth, and Stoke most likely playing him predominantly in the middle of the park, Edu may struggle to find a rhythm at one position. I am just wary of the fact that Edu will not be able to develop the full repertoire of skills necessary of an international-caliber starting central defender without consistent play in the back at Stoke. Nevertheless, this was the correct move for Edu and his journey will definitely be an interesting one to watch.  

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