The Moroccan international was brought in at a cut-rate price from Dutch side Heerenveen last summer and despite showing some early promise, failed to impress during his time on Merseyside with Brendan Rodgers favoring youngsters Raheem Sterling and Suso ahead of the 25-year old who made only 4 Premier League appearances in the famous Red shirt. “Mark identified the need to add more pace to the team and Oussama certainly fits the bill in that regard” said Stoke City chief executive Tony Scholes, who continued “He is an exciting talent and will certainly strengthen the resources at Mark’s disposal this season.”
It was expected that Assaidi would be put in the shop window tonight when Liverpool square off against League One strugglers Notts County in the second round of the League Cup, but with Stoke boss Mark Hughes moving quickly to wrap up the deal, the Potters new number 24 could be in the frame to make his debut in the same competition on Wednesday night as his new side take on Walsall. Whether the departure of Assaidi means Liverpool will be stepping up their attempts to bring in a winger before the transfer window shuts remains to be seen, but if one goes out, Reds fans everywhere will be expecting one to come in.
