Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has returned to the Premier League after a turbulent season in Spain with Real Zaragoza. While most of the attention has been on Stoke’s other new signing, Eidur Gudjohnsen, Tony Pullis will be equally delighted to have Pennant on board. The former Arsenal youngster will spend this season on loan at Stoke and the club has the option to buy him next summer.
Pennant has plenty of Premier League experience during his career including spells at Arsenal, Watford, Leeds, Birmingham and Liverpool before signing for Zaragoza. His year in Spain was far from a massive success. He failed to adapt to the lifestyle in Spain and was disciplined for turning up late to training. Zaragoza spent much of last season languishing near the bottom of La Liga and Pennant’s form did nothing to help his team’s position. The best football betting advice suggests Stoke should have a better time of things and that should help boost Pennant’s confidence.
The 27-year-old was eager to return to England and Stoke boss Pullis has taken a chance on him. Although Pennant has struggled with disciplinary problems throughout his career, he is a quality winger when given a decent run in the team. His three years at Liverpool produced glimpses of real ability but never the consistency required, meaning he was never a regular under Rafa Benitez.
Pennant’s best form came under Steve Bruce at Birmingham. It was at St Andrews that Pennant managed to find a regular starting spot. If Pullis shows confidence in Pennant and the winger produces the form he is capable of then Stoke could well have picked up one of the deals of this transfer window.
