Stoke have confirmed the signing of Dave Kitson from Reading for a club record fee of £5.5 million.
The big striker is Stoke’s first summer signing and is set to play a key role alongside Ricardo Fuller in the promoted side’s attack.
Kitson scored 10 goals in 28 starts for Reading last season, earning 3 assists along the way. That’s not a bad return for a striker playing in a relegated side. Previously Kitson made just 9 appearances in an injury-hit first season in the Premiership in 2006-07 when he notched 2 goals and 2 assists.
Stoke get their pre-season going this evening at Newcastle Town but Kitson is set to wait for his debut which should come against Nuremberg on Tuesday.
The fantasy games have yet to add Stoke’s new signing to their rosters. Looking at the current brackets I can see Kitson coming it at 5.5 in the Fantasy Premier League game, putting him in the same range as team-mate Fullar and Fulham’s Zamora. If that proves correct it would certainly make him a worthy consideration.
He should be assured of 30+ starts, barring injury. Based his previous record in the Premiership that should see him alright for around 10 goals and half-a-dozen assists. Kitson’s presence up front may also boost the popularity of Stoke’s chief creative architect, Liam Laurence who could certainly benefit from Stoke’s improved cutting edge.