Assaidi ‘chose money’ over Stoke

Oussama Assaidi confused many Stoke City fans when he opted for the Middle East instead of signing for the Potters in 2015, but now the winger has revealed why he made the choice – money.

Assaidi joined Stoke on loan from Liverpool in 2013 after struggling to break into Brendan Rodgers’ team.

And he impressed in Mark Hughes’ first season with the Potters, scoring four Premier League goals in 19 appearances – including a dramatic late winner in a 3-2 victory against Chelsea.

Stoke tried to make the deal permanent the following summer but Liverpool’s asking price was deemed too steep and a second loan deal ensued.

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

But with new winger Victor Moses on one side, an in-form Marko Arnautovic on the other and new signing Bojan in the middle, Assaidi’s stock quickly fell.

Hughes still wanted to make the deal permanent, but Assaidi opted to join Egyptian side Al-Ahly in January 2015 and the 28-year-old had clear motives.

“I asked Mark Hughes if I should take the chance. He told me that I was a real Premier League footballer, but the offer I received was maybe a once in a lifetime,” he said.

“I went for the money. I will not deny it. I hear others say they go to the Middle East for the sport, but who believes that?”