By Benson Petit-Clair 
The Juan Agudelo talks to the EPL are now confirmed by both Stoke City and the New England Revolution, his soon to be former team. However, Juan will not be able to move to his new team until January 2014, when his deal with the Revolution expires. Therefore, he signs a pre-contract with the Potters.
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes was the first official on either side to comment on a potential acquisition of the young US star. On an appearance on BBC Radio Stoke, the manager expressed hopes that the deal would be done and both sides were willing to make it happens.
Both clubs involved in the trade released a statement on Friday to confirm the news. The Revolution’s statement mentioned that they knew this opportunity could present itself when they traded for Agudelo a couple months ago.
“Juan is a talented player and he has put himself into a position to have options abroad at the end of his MLS contract this December. We always knew there was a possibility he would choose to explore these opportunities when we traded for him earlier this year, and we’re happy for Juan that he has earned this opportunity at Stoke.” Added the MLS club in the release.
“We’re looking forward to his return to the field with us for the remainder of the season as soon as he is back and fit from his recent injury.” 
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes revealed that he has been following the young US star for 18 months and delighted about the acquisition.
“We’ve put a lot of work into this deal, and I am delighted that we have managed to get the deal over the line”. Stated Mark.
“It’s a good deal for us, because he is a very good young player who boasts a lot of talent as well as a lot of potential too. I’ve known of him for a couple of years now. He burst on to the scene for the United States at the age of 17 and everybody has paid attention to him since. I have kept my eye on him for the last 18 months, and thankfully we were in a position where we were able to pull this deal off.”
Agudelo who plays for the US national team won’t be the lone young US striker who will be joining the EPL; he will be following the footsteps of Jozy Altidore who went to Sunderland a month ago. Agudelo will be the fourth American player on Stoke City’s roster. His fellow USA internationals Geoff Cameron, Brek Shea and Maurice Edu are already playing for the Potters.
Juan will be moving to his forth club in his young career. The 20 year old Columbia-born striker started his pro career in the MLS with the New York Red Bulls back in 2010 then was traded to Chivas USA two years later in exchange for defender Heath Pearce and other considerations. He lasted a year with Chivas before being traded again, this time to New England where he had a promising start scoring 3 goals in 5 matches. Unfortunately, he suffered a right knee injury in the 3-1 defeat to D.C. United in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup semifinals two months ago. He has been out from the pitch for the Revs since then.
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