DONE DEAL: Stoke City Attack Transformed as Club Confirms France Youth Talent Lamine Cissé Signing — After Outrageous Comment Sparks Buzz and Reports Claim Dressing Room Reaction
Stoke City have officially sealed the signing of France youth international Lamine Cissé, in a move that could redefine the club’s attacking identity heading into the 2025/26 season. The 19-year-old winger, who joins from Ligue 2 outfit AS Nancy, has been on the radar of several European clubs, but it is the Potters who have landed the highly rated prospect — and the signing is already making waves thanks to an outrageous comment Cissé made before the deal was finalised.
According to club sources and multiple media outlets, the deal is worth an initial £2.5 million, with performance-related add-ons potentially pushing the total to £4 million. Cissé’s blistering pace, fearless dribbling, and versatility to play on either flank have convinced manager Steven Schumacher that the teenager could become the x-factor Stoke have been missing in their attack.
But what’s grabbing as many headlines as the transfer itself is a cheeky, confident remark Cissé made during a pre-transfer interview with French broadcaster Téléfoot. When asked why he would choose a move to England’s Championship over waiting for a Ligue 1 club, Cissé grinned and declared:
I’m not coming to England to hide on the wing — I’m coming to embarrass defenders and enjoy myself.
The quote has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with Stoke fans embracing the bravado, while some rival supporters labelled it cocky. Reports from The Athletic UK claim the comment even reached the Stoke dressing room before Cissé’s arrival — and rather than taking offence, several senior players supposedly “loved the energy” and are eager to see if the youngster can back it up on the pitch.
At his official unveiling at the Bet365 Stadium, Cissé clarified the intention behind the remark: “It wasn’t meant to be disrespectful. I love football, I play with joy, and I want to give everything for this club. If that means going at defenders with confidence, that’s exactly what I’ll do.”
Manager Schumacher downplayed any notion of arrogance, telling reporters: “We want attacking players who believe they can change games. Lamine’s young, hungry, and willing to work — and if he plays with the same confidence he talks with, the fans are going to enjoy watching him.”
The signing comes as part of Stoke’s broader attacking overhaul this summer. With the club keen to improve on last season’s disappointing goal tally, Cissé is expected to play a central role in Schumacher’s push for a more aggressive, fast-paced style. Early training ground whispers suggest he’s already turning heads with his acceleration and one-v-one ability.
French youth team coaches have long tipped Cissé for a bright future, with comparisons to Allan Saint-Maximin for his flair, creativity, and fearlessness. Reports in France claim that Stoke beat at least two Ligue 1 clubs and one Bundesliga side to his signature, thanks in part to the promise of regular first-team football.
Whether his bold words will be matched by performances remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — Stoke City have a new face in their attack who isn’t afraid to make headlines before even kicking a ball. If Cissé can live up to his own hype, the Potters may have just found the spark that reignites their push for promotion.
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