Stoke City are reportedly interested in signing Wigan Athletic attacker Thelo Aasgaard in the January window, according to Alan Nixon.
The Potters may have to pay upwards of £3 million for the Norwegian’s services.
Who Is Thelo Aasgaard?
Aasgaard is a 22-year-old Norwegian midfielder who broke into the Wigan first-team squad during the 2020-21 season.
The youngster featured 35 times across all competitions and was involved in five goals as the Latics narrowly avoided relegation.
The following campaign was not as fruitful for Aasgaard but he would appear 41 times in the Championship during the 2022-23 season. It was at the end of that season he made his Norway Under 21 debut and has featured nine times at that level.
Last season was the most productive in terms of goals for the Liverpool-born midfielder. In 35 matches he managed to score eight times and assist a further three to help guide Wigan to a mid-table finish despite their eight-point deduction.
This season has seen Aasgaard score three times so far and his form has attracted interest from the likes of Stoke.
Why Does Stoke City Want To Sign Him?
Aasgaard is impressing in many areas, both offensively and defensively this season. According to FotMob, he ranks highly among midfielders with his three goals and shots on target.
In possession, the midfield man again ranks favourably when compared to his peers.
- 248 successful passes
- 80.8% pass accuracy
- 12 chances created
Stoke sits 17th in the rankings for passes per match and 20th for possession so the addition of Aasgaard could help improve their retention of the ball.
Defensively he has made 35 recoveries, won 10 aerial duels and been successful in 69 duels.
Writer’s View
Aasgaard’s statistics certainly show his abilities going forward but also in a defensive capacity.
He has experience at League One level so may be looking for that step up.
The transfer fee quoted of £3 million is likely to be the stumbling block. Stoke have tightened their belts somewhat in transfer fees this season and the capture of Bosun Lawal from Celtic was the largest outlay at just under £2 million.
A primary school teacher turned writer, Tom has been part of The Real EFL for two years. He focuses on predictions, deep dives, and insightful content.
