Despite late Everton interest, Geoff Cameron signs with Stoke
Clearing the penultimate hurdle needed to secure his move to the English Premier League, U.S. national team center back Geoff Cameron signed a contract with Stoke City and prepared to meet the Potters in Orlando on Wednesday .
“I’m officially a Potter,” Cameron said. “I’m ready and excited to join Stoke. It’s been a long process. I’m anxious to meet with the guys and I’m anxious to start a new part of my career.”
Cameron must wait to see if he can get a waiver to get a work visa to play in the EPL. In preparation for that waiver hearing, he’s currently securing letters of support from some of the biggest names in U.S. Soccer, including national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and Dynamo coach Dominic Kinnear.
Cameron will return to the Dynamo if he cannot secure a work visa. Stoke City had been tracking the center back for more than a month. Everton, the EPL club of U.S. national team goalkeeper Tim Howard, attempted to make a late run for the skillful defender over the weekend.
Everton’s interest was way too late, because Stoke City and MLS had already agreed to terms on his transfer a week earlier.
“I’m anxious to get this thing going,” he said. “I want to focus on soccer now. I’m glad it ended well with the Dynamo against D.C. United.”
The Potters are having preseason in Orlando, but Cameron is unsure if he’ll be able to play in any of the club’s U.S. exhibitions. Moreover, he’s unclear if he’ll be able to travel with the team back to England. Unsure when he’ll return to Houston, however, the 27-year-old star packed for a long trip.
“I packed three big bags,” he said with a chuckle.