Stoke City landed a deal for Huddersfield Town‘s Sorba Thomas during the Club World Cup transfer window, poaching one of the Terriers’ very few ‘in contract’ players. The Welsh international has shared his early experience of the move so far.
Thomas, who spent last season on loan with Nantes, has completed a move to the Potters from League One Huddersfield this summer. The 26-year-old contributed one goal and three assists in Ligue 1, an obvious and evident step-up in quality from England’s third tier. Consequently, Mark Robins snapped up the winger for a reportedly significant undisclosed fee.
Since making his arrival at the Bet365 Stadium, the former Boreham Wood prospect has felt right at home. In an interview with the club’s media team, Thomas expressed his gratitude towards Robins’ expectations and involvement in the transfer as well as fan reception:
“It’s made me feel as though I’m on cloud nine, it’s always good to receive love from the supporters and I’ve already felt that from the people of Stoke.
“I spoke to the manager and Jon (Walters) and saw that the Club is going places, and I wanted to be a part of that.
“The gaffer wants me to go out and be myself. It helps massively that James Rowberry is here too; he knows how to get the best out of me. I feel like it’s a perfect match.”
Former teammate Jack Rudoni has been consulted by Thomas prior to a move under Robins and players from Coventry City have been influential in highlighting the important relationship that could be built:
“I spoke to Jack Rudoni about the manager and some of the old Coventry boys, and they had nothing but good things to say about him.
“They said I was going to love it, so that made me even more excited to get going.”
The 26-year-old will be keen to recapture the scintillating form he enjoyed in the 2021/22 season with Huddersfield in the Championship. Three goals were married together with 12 assists as the winger featured in all 46 league games for the Terriers.
Writer’s View
Having spent various spells in non-league, League One and the second division, the Welsh international is exceptionally familiar with different challenges in the EFL – facing relegations as well as successful seasons. This can only be beneficial for Stoke going forward with Robins and Thomas forming an important partnership.
Fresh off the back of Ligue 1 experience will also be the perfect introduction to the Potters’ upcoming campaign. Thomas is a key creative asset, with a keen eye for big chance creations. The level of assists from the winger in previous seasons will inject a new level of optimism in Stoke’s striking department too.
