Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs has been speaking about the decision for Ki-Jana Hoever to join Stoke City on loan.
The defender is embarking on a new challenge for the second half of the season after a disappointing spell back in the Netherlands.
Hoever was at PSV Eindhoven, and Wolves officials had high hopes he would really thrive playing back in his homeland.
But Hoever – who cost Wolves £13.5 million – was unable to make an impression, making just eight first-team appearances in the end.
It has since been reported that Hoever simply just wasn’t really the right fit. And Hobbs also said it was just for football reasons.
So Wolves stepped in and pulled him out. And he will now spend the rest of the season with Championship side Stoke.
The Potters are currently 18th in the table and are looking to push up in the coming months.
Hobbs has been speaking about Hoever’s new move, and has insisted the youngster played an active role in it.
He said: “This has come about quickly, after excellent work from Matt Jackson, orchestrating the deal with PSV which meant we could pick the right football option for Ki, so credit to Matt for creating this opportunity.
“It’s closer to home and it’s the Championship, which is one of, if not the best development league for the Premier League. The fact he’s 45 minutes up the road, plus in the Championship at a big club like Stoke, it’s great for him and us.
“He’s really excited. He was very proactive in the move and it’s something he wanted. He wants games for a team looking to get into the play-off mix and it’s a great opportunity, in a great league, at a great club. Matija is there so he has that familiarisation too, so this move ticks every box.”
A huge few months coming up for Ki-Jana Hoever as Wolves youngster embarks on new loan with Stoke
From what Hobbs has said, it sounds as though Hoever was very keen to change his situation, which is encouraging.
It didn’t work out for him at PSV, but he must now make it work at Stoke.
Hoever’s transfer is very much under the spotlight at the moment.
He hasn’t really convinced since making his move to Molineux from Liverpool.
We know he has talent, given some of his performances for Liverpool. He just needs to get regular minutes and prove his worth. But he has to earn the right to get those regular minutes.
It would be fantastic if he could really thrive at Stoke. Because there could really be a first-team spot waiting for him at Wolves for 2023/24.
Nelson Semedo has been linked with a summer exit from Wolves. And Jonny Castro Otto may not be a long-term option.