Source: Team_Talk
Gudjohnsen heads Stoke arrivals
Stoke City have signed forward Eidur Gudjohnsen and winger Jermaine Pennant on loan, while midfielder Marc Wilson has joined permanently.[LNB] Gudjohnsen arrives on loan from Monaco, Wilson comes in on a permanent basis from Portsmouth and Pennant will stay on loan from Real Zaragoza until January, the club announced on their website.[LNB]The club are awaiting confirmation from the Football Association and Premier League that the transfers were completed in time.[LNB]The arrival of former Chelsea and Barcelona forward Gudjohnsen, 31, for the season would be a particular coup for Potters boss Tony Pulis.[LNB]Ex-Liverpool winger Pennant, 27, agreed a loan deal to stay at the Britannia Stadium until January after a troubled year in Spain.[LNB]Portsmouth's Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Wilson, 23, joined in a player-plus-cash move that saw midfielder Liam Lawrence, 28, and striker Dave Kitson, 30, move in the opposite direction.[LNB]Gudjohnsen, who scored against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium while on loan at Tottenham last season, told the Potters' official website: "It is a new challenge, indeed a big challenge, but one I am really looking forward to.[LNB]"After speaking to the gaffer and hearing his and the club's ambitions, he really swayed my mind, and I am delighted the deal is done.[LNB]"I can't wait to step on to the pitch, the fans are fantastic here and I always remember the atmosphere from when I have played here before.[LNB]"I scored here not so long ago for Tottenham, so maybe I owe the supporters something. Hopefully I can reward them with some goals."[LNB]He added: "I am an ambitious player, but this is an ambitious football club. I want to help take the club on to the next level. That is my main objective."[LNB]Pulis said: "This is a fantastic signing for the football club because Eidur is a player of outstanding international calibre who has performed at the highest level.[LNB]"There is no better example of the quality he provides than his contribution to Tottenham's win here in April. Not only did he score an excellent goal, he showed what a great footballing brain he has and his sense of awareness with a key role in their winner.[LNB]"Eidur made a significant contribution to Spurs qualifying for the Champions League and I am confident he can have a big impact upon our season."[LNB]Wilson, who can play in either midfield or defence, signed a four-year contract.[LNB]Wilson said on his new club's official website: "This is a great club which is on the up and so this is a positive move for me.[LNB]"I had a taste of playing in the Premier League last season; it's the best league in the world and I wanted to get back there as soon as possible.[LNB]"I spoke to (Potters coach) Mark O'Connor when I knew Stoke were interested in me because he was responsible for bringing me through as a youngster at Portsmouth. He's a great guy and he has certainly been a big influence upon me choosing to come here."[LNB]Pulis said: "I wanted to freshen the squad up with some young players, and Marc certainly fits that criteria.[LNB]"He showed great maturity last season in what was a very difficult time for Portsmouth, so he will give us more competition for midfield places."[LNB]He added: "The deal has enabled Lawrence and Kitson to move on, giving them a fresh start in their careers and the chance of regular first-team football.[LNB]"We would like to thank them for their contribution and wish them all the best. Liam, in particular, has been a great servant of this club and he has played a major part in the success that we have achieved over the past three seasons."
