Berahino will have his prime years at Stoke, says Hughes

Mark Hughes believes new signing Saido Berahino will have the best years of his career in the Potteries.

A series of off-field spats with manager Tony Pulis saw Berahino’s progress stagnate at former club West Bromwich Albion.

However, Berahino’s Baggies nightmare was ended last week when he completed his move to the bet365 Stadium, in a deal worth £12 million plus add-ons.

Hughes believes the talented 23-year-old will enjoy his prime years at Stoke, and said the Burundi-born frontman has been in excellent spirits in training.

“Saido hasn’t stopped smiling since he first walked into the building to be honest – he is just really excited to be here,” Hughes said.

“We have been really encouraged by what we have seen in training – his movement for one is absolutely tremendous.

Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images

“I was speaking to him about his qualities after a session the other day because his quality of runs were outstanding to be perfectly honest, and if anything it was actually the rest of the team who needed to get used to what he was producing.

“We haven’t had anybody at the club who is capable of making runs in behind like he can for a very long time now, so we are going to have to work on that to really get the best out of him.

“When he gets right up to speed then he is going to be a hugely important player for us, and somebody who our supporters are going to have the benefit of watching throughout his prime years.”