Australian striker Peter Skapetis has moved from his Championship side Queens Park Rangers and signed with EPL club Stoke City for reportedly $524,000.
The 19-year-old Greek Australian has made no secret of his desire to one day play for the English Premier League and said his decision to move was based on that dream.
“This is a big opportunity for me to develop my game at a Premier League club,” he said.
“I think playing there can take me to another level hopefully and give me my best chance of success.
“In saying that, I really enjoyed my time at QPR and appreciate the opportunity they gave me in chasing my dream of playing football in the UK and I wish them well in the play-offs.
“I feel it’s time to move on. There’s a chance for me and I want to take it.
“My ultimate goal is to break into the first team and hopefully this move will give me the perfect platform for that.”
He is expected to sign a two-year-deal with the club, where he will play alongside fellow Australian, defender Alex Grant, for the Potters.
Skapetis has bagged 11 goals in eight appearances for Australia’s Under-20 and Under-23 sides and will join up with Australia’s U20 side ahead of the AFC U20 Championship in Myanmar shortly.
Australia has been drawn in Group B alongside Uzbekistan, UAE and Indonesia.
Hopes are high for Skapetis, who wants to see Australia qualify for the U20s World Cup.
“I want to be a part of the team that qualifies for next year’s U20s World Cup in New Zealand – so there’s a lot to aim for with my club and also my country.”
Skapetis left NPL club South Melbourne in 2012 to pursue his international career. He spent two years in West London and it is understood he will initially
work alongside former QPR junior coach Glyn Hodges with Stoke’s Under-21 side.
Sources: Stoke Sentinel, SBS