Keeper admits ‘tough decision’ to leave Stoke City as he completes transfer

The deal to sell Joe Bursik back in January 2023 made sure that Stoke City wouldn’t face Financial Fair Play sanctionsI

Joe Bursik is sure he has learnt a lot from a tough couple of years in his playing career through changes of managers, clubs and injury.

Bursik, aged 23, is moving to Scotland to join Hibernian on a season-long loan from Club Brugge hoping to pull the gloves back on in anger after a frustrating lack of game time since he started the 2022/23 season as Stoke City’s number one.

His form out on loan and thrown in as an emergency during an injury crisis had earned him the first team spot at a young age and it was a tough gig at times. Michael O’Neill had seen his development as important for the club’s long-term benefit but he was pushed down the pecking order by Alex Neil and a six-figure sale in January 2023 – not the mega-money deal that had once been the dream – still made sure that Stoke avoided Financial Fair Play sanctions.