Stoke City have agreed a deal worth around £2.1 million (€2.5m) with PSV Eindhoven for the transfer of highly rated midfielder Sol Sidibé, with a medical scheduled for Thursday.
The 18-year-old England U18 international is set to sign a long-term deal with the Eredivisie champions after Lillewithdrew from the race. The French club had shown interest but needed to make space in their squad before committing — allowing PSV to move quickly and secure terms.
According to journalist Marc Mechenoua, Sidibé has already agreed personal terms with the Dutch side, with the final paperwork now close.
From academy graduate to senior impact
Sidibé has risen through Stoke’s academy ranks since the age of eight and made his senior debut in the EFL Cup against West Brom in August 2023. He featured 21 times for the first team last season, contributing two assists before a back injury cut his campaign short in January.
Despite his absence, the teenager remains one of the Championship’s highest-rated young midfielders and was recently named by EFL Analysis as one of five breakout stars to watch in 2025/26.
Financially smart, but football risk?
With Sidibé under contract at Stoke until 2027, the £2.1m transfer will be booked as pure profit — a useful injection for Steve Robins ahead of a vital season. However, with PSV planning to ease Sidibé into their youth set-up initially, the move could delay his regular senior development.
Even so, the attraction of joining a club known for nurturing young talent, particularly from abroad, proved decisive.
📊 Key FotMob Stats – 2024/25 Championship:
• 21 appearances, 0 goals, 2 assists
• 1,214 minutes played, 13 starts
• Average match rating: 6.72
• Percentile rank among Championship U21 midfielders:
• 82nd for progressive passes received
• 78th for successful dribbles
• 74th for interceptions per 90
🟥 ZONE CONFIRMED
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