POTTERS BAG BOCAT

STOKE City have completed the signing of left-back Eric Bocat for an undisclosed fee, with the defender penning a four-year contract at the bet365 Stadium.

The former Lille defender, 24, makes the move to ST4 on the back of two seasons with Sint-Truidense V. V. in the top tier of Belgian football.

Sporting Director Jon Walters said: “I am thrilled to announce that Eric is joining Stoke City. He is a versatile, athletic, and exciting player whose attributes can help him thrive in the Championship and beyond.

“Eric’s ability to adapt to different positions on the field will be a tremendous asset for our team and I look forward to seeing his growth and development within our squad.

“I am confident our fans will give him a warm and enthusiastic welcome and that he will quickly become an integral part of our journey towards success.”

Bocat, who will link up with his new teammates when they return for pre-season training on Monday, July 1, expressed his pride at becoming a Potter and an enthusiasm to begin the next chapter of his career.

“I am really happy, this is a big move in my life and my career and I am excited to get started,” he explained.

“When I talked with the Sporting Director and Head Coach, they explained how they like my profile for a left-back and believe I can be a good player for the team.

“I am offensive, quick and like to dribble, however, I am a left-back firstly and my defensive attributes are very important too. It’s an area of my game I have improved a lot during the last couple of years in Belgium.

“I develop every day, as both a player and person, and I’m now ready to take the next step in my career.”