Premier League New Boys: Jakob Haugaard

From: FC Midtyvlland
To: Stoke City
Fee: £600,000

Why have Stoke signed him?

With Asmir Begovic and veteran Thomas Sorensen exiting this summer, the 23-year-old was needed to boost that position. Because of the departures, the Dane will be challenging for the number one spot at the Britannia alongside Jack Butland. Considered as being a long-term investment, the youngster was hugely impressive in his debut season in Denmark, playing a key role in Midtjylland’s title success.

Will he be a good capture?

The Potters have courted him since he made his breakthrough in Denmark and for good reason. His physicality and dominating presence in the area are both signs he can be a success in the top-tier. The 6ft 6in Dane idolises former Potters shot stopper Sorensen, and he looks as though he shares many of the same attributes. However, don’t expect him to breakthrough straight away with Butland looking most likely to be Mark Hughes’ top stopper at the start of the campaign. A largely unknown quantity, only time will tell if he can emulate Sorensen’s success in England, but time is definitely on his side.