Jon Walters has admitted that Bosun Lawal’s transfer to Stoke City almost fell through due to an unforeseen medical complication. Despite this setback, the 21-year-old versatile player successfully secured a move to the Bet365 Stadium for a significant sum, outbidding other interested parties. Lawal, who impressed during a loan spell at Fleetwood Town but struggled to make an impact with Brendan Rodgers at Watford, opted for a fresh start in the EFL Championship by heading south to Stoke.

Walters, the sporting director, disclosed that the deal was nearly scrapped following a medical examination that revealed a hidden issue, rendering Lawal temporarily ineligible for selection. Despite this hurdle, Walters remains optimistic about Lawal’s potential impact at the club in the future. Stoke took a forward-thinking approach in approving the transfer, emphasizing Lawal’s long-term value and the role he is expected to play in the team’s development.

In Walters’ words, “Securing Bosun’s signature was a significant achievement for us, given the competition we faced. Although the medical uncovered an unexpected issue unknown to us and his previous club, we see this as a minor setback in the bigger picture. Our focus is on long-term success, aligning with the player’s aspirations and the club’s ambitions to reach the top. We prioritized potential over short-term challenges, recognizing that resolving this issue swiftly will not alter his abilities on the field. This decision reflects our commitment to building a strong team for the future rather than settling for a quick fix.”