De Laet Makes Interesting Move Across The Border

  Young Belgian full-back Richie de Laethas joined Conference side Wrexham on a month long loan. The 20 year old, who joined Stoke from Royal Antwerp for £100,000 just over a year ago will go straight into the Welsh club’s squad to face Lewes tomorrow.

  De Laet turned down a loan move to League Two outfit Bournemouth in the Summer so it seems strange that he has now opted to p a division lower. While it is undoubtedly beneficial for young players to gain experience from spending time out on loan at lower league clubs, the fact that a 20 year old has gone to a Conference club is worrying. With contemporary Ryan Shotton enjoying a successful loan spell at League One Tranmere, the quality of a player making the unglamourous move to Wrexham must be called into consideration.

  Richie has made just one unused substitute appearance for the Stoke first team, but has put in some impressive reserve performances. Hopefully my doubts will prove unfounded and he will be able to take something from his time at Wrexham and develop into a useful player for Stoke.