Stoke City made their first close-season signing by swooping for winger Ramadan Sobhi from Egyptian club Al Ahly on Monday.

The 19-year-old, who has been capped six times by Egypt, made 34 appearances for Al Ahly last season to help Martin Jol’s side claim the domestic title.

Stoke announced on their website that the fee for Sobhi could eventually rise to six million euros ($6.59 million).

“We are absolutely delighted to have signed a player of Ramadan’s undoubted quality and potential,” said chief executive Tony Scholes. “He’s a special young talent who is excited about the prospect of making an impact in the Premier League.”

Stoke begin their league campaign with a trip to promoted Middlesbrough on August 13.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com