Skip to content

It’s official: Brek Shea joins Stoke City

Jan 31, 2013, 1:19 PM EDT

It took too long — far too long, with too many back and forths for us to handle — but young American potential star Brek Shea is off to the English Premier League. He will join Geoff Cameron at Stoke City after he passed his physical and earned a work permit.

The transfer fee is around $4 million.

It’s a good move for the 23-year-old who had a superb 2011 but struggled last season for FC Dallas. He gets a much-needed change of scenery and the Potters get some help they desperately need on the wing. Under the right tutelage and with a little patience, Shea is the type of player — big, strong, fast, physical, and skilled — who could thrive for a long time in the EPL.

The move could also help him work his way back into a starting role with the United States national team. Although Shea made substitute appearances in both matches against Jamaica in September, he last figured in the Starting XI way back in February 2012. If he can battle his way into regular playing time with Stoke, he will help his case with Jurgen Klinsmann significantly.

Of course, there’s the possibility that the move goes horribly wrong, that Shea can’t find his form and languishes on the bench. But he had reached his limit in MLS and needed a move. This one has the potential to turn out very well.

VITAL UPDATE (NOTICED BY PST HEAD HONCHO STEVE DAVIS):

Latest Posts
  1. Roberto Martinez further delays decision on his future

    May 23, 2013, 9:54 PM EDT

    Wigan Athletic's manager Martinez holds his hand to his ear as the crowd cheers during victory parade after team won English FA Cup in Wigan Reuters

    Roberto Martinez has given himself more time to decide on his future at Wigan, and also gave them a wish list.

  2. Begovic trying to force a move?

    May 23, 2013, 8:44 PM EDT

    FBL-ENG-PR-STOKE-MAN UTD Getty Images

    Asmir Begovic is apparently intending on showing up at the door of another club to start training.

  3. Reports: Porto to bank on Moutinho and Rodriguez in shock double move

    May 23, 2013, 7:16 PM EDT

    Porto's Moutinho and team mate Rodriguez hold the trophy while they celebrate winning the Portuguese Premier League title after their soccer match against Pacos Ferreira at the Mata Real stadium in Pacos de Ferreira Reuters

    AS Monaco, rich with the injection of money from a Russian tycoon, are set to make a huge splash, possibly as much as €70 million.

  4. US U-18 squad in action in Portugal

    May 23, 2013, 6:35 PM EDT

    276fdaa735a1400f8312928af5055ee6.ashx

    The United States U-18 squad drew with the hosts in the middle of three group-stage matches during the 19th Annual Lisbon International Juniors Tournament.

  5. Toronto FC secures four Canadian national team callups

    May 23, 2013, 6:05 PM EDT

    jonathan-osorio-130330-6col

    20-year-old Jonathan Osorio picked up his debut call-up to the Canadian national team along with three other Toronto FC teammates ahead of their friendly against Costa Rica on Tuesday.

  6. Leighton Baines says Everton will be fine without Moyes, but will they?

    May 23, 2013, 5:11 PM EDT

    FBL-ENG-PR-EVERTON-WEST HAM Getty Images

    “Football clubs live on and we’ll live on, we’ll move on.” They’ll move on, they have to. But will they effectively?

  7. Berlin lands first Champions League final

    May 23, 2013, 3:56 PM EDT

    File photo of the Olympic stadium in Berlin Reuters

    With the upcoming Champions League final this weekend featuring an all-German cast, Germany secured another massive Champions League achievement today.

  8. Anyone else think Bayern Munich is playing dirty?

    May 23, 2013, 3:33 PM EDT

    PST Subo

    Anyone else bothered by the way Bayern Munich have conducted themselves ahead of this Saturday’s Champions League final?

  9. Titus Bramble on his way to MLS

    May 23, 2013, 2:39 PM EDT

    Sunderland v Bolton Wanderers - FA Cup Third Round Replay Getty Images

    Sunderland’s central defender will say goodbye to the English Premier League in exchange for a switch stateside.

  10. Manchester City president shoots down high-profile transfer links

    May 23, 2013, 2:00 PM EDT

    Manchester City Football Club CEO Soriano speaks at news conference in New York Reuters

    Chelsea fans will be delighted, while those supporting Manchester City are sure to question who’s on their team’s mind.

  11. Should Europa League winners be awarded a spot in the Champions League?

    May 23, 2013, 1:37 PM EDT

    PST Chel

    Should the champions of the Europa League be awarded a spot in the following season’s Champions League?

  12. Espanyol fans upset with Barca shirt on the statute of Christopher Columbus

    May 23, 2013, 12:07 PM EDT

    FBL-ESP-BARCELONA-COLUMBUS

    The city’s decision to permit Columbus to wear angers Espanyol fans, who believe Barca receives too much support from local institutions.

  13. Gonzalo Higuain close to Juventus move while others continue the chase

    May 23, 2013, 11:22 AM EDT

    FBL-ESP-LIGA-REALMADRID-VALLADOLID

    Despite notching an impressive 104 goals in 185 matches since moving to the Bernabeu in 2007, Higuain has struggled this season.

  14. What should Thomas Vermaelen do?

    May 23, 2013, 10:04 AM EDT

    Vermo

    With Arsenal rumored to be courting Swansea center-back Ashley Williams, Thomas Vermaelen has some decisions to make.

  15. Poor Strama, Allegri: Inter, AC Milan leave coaches in limbo

    May 22, 2013, 11:51 PM EDT

    FC Internazionale Milano v Udinese Calcio - Serie A Getty Images

    Serie A’s two Milanese clubs have yet to move for new head coaches.

  16. Full circle: Misantrope’s revival could land Benítez in Paris, Madrid, or Naples

    May 22, 2013, 11:06 PM EDT

    Chelsea's interim manager Benitez looks on before their English Premier League soccer match against Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium in Southampton

    Over the last three months, Rafa Benítez has reignited a floundering career.

  17. It’s piling on for Reign FC, who may permanently lose Megan Rapinoe to Lyon

    May 22, 2013, 10:14 PM EDT

    Megan Rapinoe

    The hits just keep on coming for the NWSL’s hard-luck team.

  18. U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round draw: What it means for your MLS team

    May 22, 2013, 9:20 PM EDT

    Open Cup logo

    The U.S. Open Cup draws sometimes need a decoder ring to decipher. Here’s a quick-and-dirty look at the MLS teams’ futures.

  19. With PSG willing to match Wayne Rooney’s wages, Manchester United has somebody to bail them out

    May 22, 2013, 8:17 PM EDT

    Everton v Manchester United - Premier League Getty Images

    If PSG’s willing to take Rooney’s wages of their hands, Manchester United can justify moving on.

  20. Crimes and misdemeanors: Congratulations, Bobby Boswell – you’re this week’s winner

    May 22, 2013, 7:32 PM EDT

    Bobby Boswell head shot

    Houston’s defensive leader sees his banned doubled by the Disciplinary Committee.

Top 10 Player Searches
  1. A. Eaton (MLB)
  2. M. Garza (MLB)
  3. J. Garcia (MLB)
  4. D. Wade (NBA)
  5. G. Hill (NBA)