How Wouter Burger turned the tables on Stoke City in transfer discussions
Youth international for the Netherlands Wouter Burger is one of the key acquisitions in Stoke City’s huge summer makeover.
Wouter Burger demanded to know what Alex Neil thought were his weaknesses as well as his strengths during his discussions to join Stoke City.
After two years in the Swiss Super League with FC Basel, whom he helped reach the Europa Conference League semi-finals last season, the 22-year-old has been tempted to the Championship for the next “big challenge” in his career.
He has already demonstrated why he was one of Stoke City’s top summer targets – and why the club was willing to make him their most expensive acquisition in four and a half years – but it is apparent he is ambitious and eager to keep progressing.
“(The manager) has used me in the position that I want to be used in, and that gives me a lot of confidence that he sees my qualities and also knows what I have to improve,” he stated. “That’s what I discussed with him before making the decision.” ‘OK, these are the qualities you like about me – but what do I need to improve on to take the next step, what about this and that stuff?’
“Now he’s talking to me, and in training, he’s – I’m not sure if this is the right way to say it in English – he’s on my ass all the time, very sharp to make sure I do the right things, make the right runs, and put in the effort.”
“I’m not one of those people who needs to be yelled at, but it’s just nice that everyone here wants you to be a better football player.” That really makes me happy.”
Burger has been on scouts’ radars across Europe since helping the Netherlands win the under-17 European Championship in England in 2018, when he was nominated to the tournament’s team.
His career at Feyenoord was hampered by lockdown, but he quickly established himself as a vital character at Basel, which he captained at the age of 21. It wasn’t an easy decision for him to go, but he believes it’s the correct one.
“When I first heard from my agents that Stoke were interested, I was always open to listen because I think it’s an honor when a club is interested in buying you,” he explained. “It’s not like you’re out of contract; they were really interested in buying me.”
“So I began to listen, we talked about football, they gave a presentation and gave me a good feeling, but we (Basel) were still in the (European Conference League) qualifiers at the time, and a lot of players were still there.” Everyone expected transfers, but I just stated I needed to think about it because it was still early in the window.
“Then Basel dropped out of the qualifiers, and I was talking with my family and girlfriend about how I couldn’t take the next step and needed another challenge.” I’m aware of the areas in my game where I can improve. I believe there are certain physical aspects, but also, for example, being able to play the ball to the correct color when exhausted.
“It’s all about the details in football.” I’m quite critical of myself and my game.
“I began to think about Stoke more and more, and I had other meetings with the coach, and I began to like the picture they had for me, the plan they had for me.” It was almost like a process, and I was compelled to move to Stoke.
“What convinced me even more was how much effort the club put in to get me, even when the negotiations were a little more difficult.” Coming to a club where everyone was really pulling for me and having a plan gave me a really fantastic feeling. The overall impression was positive.
“The Championship is also a place where you can play a lot of games and improve a lot, and I still consider myself a young player at 22.” I believe I can significantly improve here, raising my game to be even better than before. I found the new challenge I needed in my profession.
“I also believe that almost every football player will agree that England is the ultimate destination.” It doesn’t matter if you’re in League Two or the Premier League; there are always football fans around. It’s all about football. I grew raised with the same mindset.”
