Martina joins Stoke on loan

Friday, 17 August, 2018 78comments  |  Jump to most recent
Cuco Martina has made a season-long loan to Stoke City as they seek to further bolster their push for promotion back to the Premier League.

Sky Sports claimed from their sources yesterday that the defender could follow Ashley Williams in a temporary move to bet365 Stadium and the transfer has now been confirmed.

Martina, a Ronald Koeman signing on a free transfer a year ago, has been told he is surplus to Marco Silva's requirements this season.  



Reader Comments (78)

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Bill Watson
1 Posted 16/08/2018 at 20:30:25
Despite his limitations he always gave 100% and didn't hide. Good luck to him if he goes and I'm sure he'll do a decent job for Stoke.
Phil (Kelsall) Roberts
2 Posted 16/08/2018 at 20:47:40
Happy he has moved on as he was not going to play again for us.

As we got him on a free, I am surprised that we did not just let him go on a free. Probably he would have demanded a 2-3 year contract and Stoke not ready to commit so hopefully they want to keep him for 2019-20 and then that is sorted. The alternative being that Stoke not prepared to pay him what we were last year so we will have to subsidise his wages for at least 12 months.

David Ellis
3 Posted 16/08/2018 at 20:53:53
Good news. Makes the squad easier to manage and reduces the wage bill a bit further. Now for Besic and Bolasie and job done for this window.
Mike Gaynes
4 Posted 16/08/2018 at 20:56:59
Wishing him the best. Gave his all, never complained under difficult circumstances, and worked so hard that he actually turned himself into a half-decent left back before we finally got Bainesy back.
Derek Knox
5 Posted 16/08/2018 at 20:57:03
Another player I can never understand why we got him. He was never a favourite of mine, but must admit he did try when thrown in at Left Back when Leighton was out injured.

I too, fail to understand why we didn't either let him go on a free, or at least get a small fee for him, say £1-2M.

Brent Stephens
6 Posted 16/08/2018 at 21:13:36
Not the most talented though not as bad as sometimes portrayed. Always got his head down (or up) and gave of his best. Uncomplaining whichever position he was played in, and a model professional in my eyes. Hope he can make something of this loan move if it comes off.
Peter Gorman
7 Posted 16/08/2018 at 21:13:50
As others have stated, nothing personal as he seemed to be a nice enough lad but should never have been deemed good enough for the club. Wish him every luck when he eventually moves on.
Chris Gould
8 Posted 16/08/2018 at 21:14:38
What's hard to understand? He's on a fantastic wage and not prepared to leave for half the pay. It makes perfect sense for him to refuse a permanent deal and agree a loan. Stoke will probably pay half his wage and us the other half.

Why would he do what's in the best interest for us? He has a contract and understandably expects to get paid every penny of it. Stoke would never pay him what he's currently earning with us. At least we're getting a portion of his wage off the books.

He got a lot of abuse but tried hard under difficult circumstances. It's worth noting that he didn't really let us down from a defensive point of view. He was certainly no worse than anybody else.

Dave Abrahams
9 Posted 16/08/2018 at 21:19:49
According to Michael Morgan (I think), Martina was given a 3-year contract at £35,000 per week when he joined Everton. He must be related to someone in power at the club, blackmailing someone in power at the club or has one of the best agents in the world.
Paul Birmingham
10 Posted 16/08/2018 at 22:01:10
It makes you wonder why, how, but hopefully under M&M out transfer policy will be tried and trusted, henceforth.
Neil Cremin
11 Posted 16/08/2018 at 22:09:26
I for one am sorry to see him go. He willingly took on the job of left-back even though he had now left leg to cross and constantly needed to turn in to cross fright footed.

However nobody else was willing to take on the role and if the rest of the team gave half the effort and commitment that Cuco gave we would have been a far better side. A lot of less and more talented players are still here and need to look in the mirror.

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

12 Posted 16/08/2018 at 22:22:07
Much maligned, unfairly so in my eyes.

Nowhere near as bad as portrayed by some and certainly was far, FAR from being the worst player, in ability or effort, who pulled on a blue shirt last year.

Colin Glassar
13 Posted 16/08/2018 at 22:26:39
Put in an impossible situation at left back but he tried his best. Good luck in the future lad.
Bill Gienapp
14 Posted 16/08/2018 at 22:29:43
Depressing times to be a Stoke fan. First they get relegated and now they've become a dumping ground for our unwanted defenders.

(As for Martina, he was never a discredit to the shirt the way that Williams and Mirallas were. No reason not to wish him well.)

Brian Hennessy
15 Posted 16/08/2018 at 22:31:15
Am I missing something? I thought the transfer window was closed except for foreign teams buying/loaning from the Premier League...
Rob Halligan
16 Posted 16/08/2018 at 22:36:10
Championship teams can still loan players from anywhere, Brian, until the end of August. That's it for Premier League teams, though; they cannot bring in loans from anywhere.
Brian Williams
17 Posted 16/08/2018 at 22:36:30
Foreign teams can buy or loan, Championship or football league can loan only from Premier League clubs up until 31st August.
Jim Hardin
18 Posted 16/08/2018 at 22:54:03
Wish him well. Model professional and played anywhere when asked. A far better left back defensively than given credit for. He made himself be better able to cross left-footed (although floated crosses, rather than driven) which led to at least one and perhaps two goals.

He only cost us wages, which he earned, and I hope he enjoys several more years of being able to provide good football.

As an aside, Mike Gaynes, did you write the baseball quote about
wanting a reporter named Schmuck to interview J.J. Putz? If so, my hat is off to you, sir.

Denis Richardson
19 Posted 16/08/2018 at 23:02:46
Think that would make it 8 senior players out and 6 in?

Quite a window so far and we're not done yet. Bolasie, Niasse and Besic also possibles to go before the end of the month.

That would me some heck of a squad rotation in one window! Add the fact Tosun and Walcott only joined in January, we'll have practically a new side on the pitch in a month or so.

John Raftery
20 Posted 16/08/2018 at 23:14:34
That he was far from our worst value signing in 2017 says much about the bungling scattergun approach adopted by Koeman and Walsh. Each appeared to have their own wish list of players to sign. Presumably Martina was on Koeman’s list. As stop gap cover for the full back positions he was passable but obviously no more than that.
Michael Morgan
21 Posted 16/08/2018 at 23:14:43
Denis @19,

Niasse?! No chance buddy, that would leave just one senior striker. Please don't say Calvert-Lewin as he's not Premier League ready yet if at all. Niasse won't be going anywhere till at least the summer, Silva likes him, just like a lot of fans still think he's a good alternative from off the bench.

John Mckay
22 Posted 16/08/2018 at 23:34:00
Feel sorry for Cuco was the scale goat last season. seen him have a few decent games even out on the left. Cost only wages. Gives 100%. Respect him for that.

I'd rather have an average player giving 100% than a talented player giving 10% like most of our team last season.

Ramirez might be loaned out before the end of the window or sold. think if he gets 1 or 2 goals he might start to find his feet.

I love Niasse by the way always trying, never moaning. Respect.

James Stewart
23 Posted 17/08/2018 at 00:22:43
Awful player who should never have been signed. It only goes to highlight how truly inept the last two managers were when players like this are shown the door.
Ed Prytherch
24 Posted 17/08/2018 at 00:42:09
I think that the main reason we defended so poorly when he played was that the other players had no confidence in him and had no idea what he was going to do next.
Minik Hansen
25 Posted 17/08/2018 at 00:44:05
I remember his pace at some point last season, fairly quick and admirable, though on the wrong side of the back four. Would love to follow how he does on the rightback at Stoke or an other club, and if he stays with them and promoted to the Premier League, see what his potential was with us, but we have Coleman there as long as he is fit.
Dean Cooper
26 Posted 17/08/2018 at 00:57:02
Definitely in the minority here but I think we should keep Martina and loan out Kenny. Kenny needs playing time and won’t get any whilst Coleman is fit and firing. Kenny makes a lot of mistakes with the ball, and I think a year in the Championship would have been best for his development and us.
Derek Thomas
27 Posted 17/08/2018 at 01:22:26
Such was our state last season there were times he wasn't the worst player on the pitch. Good luck to him.
Mike Gaynes
28 Posted 17/08/2018 at 01:37:41
Jim #18, where the heck did you dig that up??!

Yes, that's my line. It's from 15 years ago. I was a regular contributor to a sports humor column in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Stuff really does live forever on the internet, doesn't it?

Kase Chow
29 Posted 17/08/2018 at 01:44:20
Yeah he's a better right back than Kenny.

I'd also loan out Kenny and keep Cuco in reserve. Hey ho.

Steavey Buckley
30 Posted 17/08/2018 at 02:07:27
It makes no financial sense to loan players out when they are in their late 20s, because there is zero return on them. I personally believe Martina would provide good competition as a right back, rather than going to Stoke.
Victor Yu
31 Posted 17/08/2018 at 03:07:18
Kenny is on lower wages and Brands wants to cut wages.

That's one of the reason why this loan happens.

In theory yes Kenny would develop better by playing every week out on loan instead of sitting on the bench.

Fran Mitchell
32 Posted 17/08/2018 at 03:45:19
The idea that Kenny is better served on loan is nonsense imo.

Kenny will develop more battling for a first team position, training week in week out with the first team, with Silva and co, with Coleman. It is down to his attitude; if he has the right one, he'll look to push himself in the belief he can overtake Coleman. Coleman will be 30 soon, there is no reason Kenny shouldn't be aiming to overtake him. If he is good enough, he will.

Much better him staying here and fighting for game time, looking to prove himself when his chance arises, than going to a championship with poorer facilities, poor training sessions or poorer teammates. Same for Baningime, Dowell, Calvert-Lewin and all youngsters in and around the first team.

Jim Hardin
33 Posted 17/08/2018 at 03:54:27
Mike,

It was in a humerous sports quotes book I borrowed from my brother a few years ago. I actually copied the quote but never thought I would speak to (correspond with) it's author. I remember Putz because he was the reason that my Reds acquired Guardado, who was magnificent for just about a month before his arm exploded.

Ed Prytherch
34 Posted 17/08/2018 at 04:21:13
I agree with Fran 32, Kenny will learn more by practicing under Siva's guidance than being in a championship squad where the manager only wants him for cover (Galloway) or the manager gets fired half way through the season and the new guy does not fancy him (Dowell).

Martina is not good enough now and at his age he is unlikely to improve.

Kenny Smith
36 Posted 17/08/2018 at 07:15:51
Seems like a nice fella and just got on with playing out of position but, saying that, he's very close to being in my all time worst Everton XI team. He defo makes the squad.

Good luck to him though.

Grant Rorrison
37 Posted 17/08/2018 at 07:44:13
Williams and now Martina....

Can"t interest them in Phil Jagielka as well, can we? :P

Mark Tanton
38 Posted 17/08/2018 at 08:05:21
Grant, I don't think Stoke have a walking football side.
Drew O'Neall
39 Posted 17/08/2018 at 08:09:59
Kenny gets nowhere near the team while Coleman's fit so, in terms of his development, he would be better playing games somewhere else but you need a squad and he's an adequate squad player.
Alex Parr
40 Posted 17/08/2018 at 08:18:42
I would wish Cuco well, as said above, he worked very hard in a role that would be quite alien to him and just got on with it being professional and trying his hardest, despite all the shit that he got.

I didn't think he was that bad a right back, I would have preferred to see Kenny get more time when Cuco was playing right back, but I was not appalled by his performances. However I hope he makes it a permanent move for his sake.

I actually think the move will do him good, he can get away from a place where he has become somewhat unfairly labelled a 'clown' and made out to be incompetent by some, and having played (reasonably well) in some chaotic times and under chaotic management, largely on the wrong foot.

Good luck, Cuco.

Arild Andersen
41 Posted 17/08/2018 at 08:24:43
Good luck to him, as others here have said, honest professional but limited. Feeling sorry for him though... stuck with Williams again!!
Dave Abrahams
42 Posted 17/08/2018 at 09:30:57
Fran (32), I agree entirely with your comments on Jonjoe and I can assure you there is absolutely nothing wrong with his attitude or desire to play for Everton. He loves the club and, like he should be, he is ambitious for his own future; definitely one of us is Jonjoe.
Steve Ferns
43 Posted 17/08/2018 at 09:42:29
I agree Dave. Imagine if Seamus gets injured on Saturday and Kenny is out on loan. With Jags suspended, Coleman injured and Mina not ready, how can we put a side out? Kenny needs to be there and be ready.

I've read too much crap from people criticising his attacking play as well. In the Under-20 World Cup, he was England's best player. Not because he put in lots of great tackles, but because he flew down the right wing and was very creative. He is also like this for the U23s.

Sure, it's yet to translate to the first team, but being in and around the players, training with them and having a chance to perfect his attacking qualities in training can only benefit him long term. Sure, if he doesn't play a game for the next 12 months, then his development will have started to stall, and we can call for a loan.

I expect big things from Kenny. He has the right attitude to deliver. It's good to know he is ready and waiting in case we need him.

Martin Berry
44 Posted 17/08/2018 at 14:02:47
A good pro and I think some of his performances were good, but obviously we want to improve and get better.

I think he will do well at Stoke.

Jerome Shields
45 Posted 17/08/2018 at 14:52:52
Played out of position at left back and exspected to perform miracles. Good Luck to him at Stoke.
Peter Gorman
46 Posted 17/08/2018 at 15:03:34
I was apoplectic when we signed Cuco simply because it would stifle the development of Kenny; it was nothing against Cuco himself, just thought it was terrible to prefer a Curacao international over a young local English lad with so much potential.

Kenny has everything about him to be Coleman's long-term successor and I agree with those above who think he is best served getting some cup games and training under Silva than slogging it out in the Championship like Robinson (apologies to Mike Gaynes but just think Kenny is much further along in his development).

Harry Hockley
47 Posted 17/08/2018 at 15:23:53
Nothing bad to say about his attitude, probably would've played in goal if we was short.

In a game full of mercs he's a player with less talent than a lot but more enthusiasm than most.

Good luck at Stoke, Cuco.

Jamie Crowley
48 Posted 17/08/2018 at 15:25:45
More good news as we trim the squad.

Best of luck to him. I don't really like the, "not good enough" comments, as anyone who puts in the effort in a Blue shirt should be somewhat appreciated?

But in this case, that comment applies. We need better players, better calibre than Cuco.

Andy Meighan
50 Posted 17/08/2018 at 15:54:28
Nowhere near as bad as people made him out. And he was actually one of Koeman's better signings.

Played out of position most of the time and I've never once seen him hide. Can't say that about the rest of the crap he signed.

Phil Smith
51 Posted 17/08/2018 at 15:58:57
Stoke — the new Sunderland?
Jay Wood
[BRZ]

52 Posted 17/08/2018 at 16:03:38
This is good for all parties.

I won't be joining in the denigration of Martina. Nowhere close to being our worst performer last season.

Gavin Johnson
53 Posted 17/08/2018 at 16:12:31
I won't fault his attitude and commitment. He just wasn't good enough. Not for us, or any Premier League club for that matter.

This is the best move for everyone.

Paul Kossoff
54 Posted 17/08/2018 at 16:29:12
Brought in because he was cheap, Dutch, and Koeman's... signings like these meant we were also-rans; hopefully no more!
Michael Kenrick
55 Posted 17/08/2018 at 16:49:50
Moving Martina on is an obvious next step in The Great Cull; I just remain concerned about the opportunities for our up-and-coming youngsters, in this case, Jonjoe Kenny specifically.

He is part of the first-team squad, trains with them, gets to take in all the tactical talk and strategic nuances Silva is trying to coach... but there is nothing that comes close to actually playing the game. I mean the real game, in front of Premier League crowds... not training kickabouts at Finch Farm. Yet he was not on the bench last week.

Now, despite The Cull, we do still have a remakarbly bloated first-team squad. The Official Website appears to have updated what they call the First Team, and it includes 34 players (excluding the 8 listed as out on season-long loans), while we have in mind Silva's target of 25 to 28 players as a more manageable size.

What still puzzles me is that Kenny simply won't get a game while Coleman is fit. He's not the only one, but why doesn't he play for the U23s in order to keep match-fit? Or am I sucked in by the nostalgic thought that the Reserves of old still exist, albeit in that altered form, and their purpose is to keep a pool of players at the peak of match-fitness, ever-ready to step in in case of injury or suspension?

I guess the answer is in the full name of the U23s, which is nowadays a Development Squad — it is no longer The Reserves... hasn't been since 2012. To expect Jonjoe Kenny — or any of the others who have finally made it into a Premier League first-team squad — to take a backward downward step and play in the U23s in order to keep match-fit? No, it simply ain't happening.

Michael Kenrick
56 Posted 17/08/2018 at 17:04:13
Just to underline my point, I see that Jonjoe Kenny played 3 games for the Under-23s in the whole of last season. That was 3 out of the first 4 games. He hasn't played for them since 10 September 2017.

He played a big part for the first team in what was his breakthrough last season... until the last 10 games. He only made the bench (unused) for the last 2 games.

Fran Mitchell
57 Posted 17/08/2018 at 17:15:25
Silva and Brands have stated that they feel the development of the young players is a key part of their 'project' at Everton.

Therefore, I am sure that, should they feel Kenny is good enough, they will give him minutes on the pitch – sub appearences, the occasional start when resting Coleman. If he does get a chance, like any young player, he will have to take it, that is what top players do.

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

58 Posted 17/08/2018 at 18:45:50
It is a dilemma, Michael, and one which could stall, or even seriously undermine, Jonjoe's development, or any other young player for that matter.

It does seem though that the old school thinking of playing in the stiffs 1st team capable players who are not in the starting XI is a thing of the past.

Maybe training methods from those days are so advanced that in-house daily and weekly match time training is superior to giving such players a run out with the kids.

Tim Sharpe
59 Posted 17/08/2018 at 19:08:40
Williams and Martina in their back 4. Bye-Bye, Stoke.
Derek Knox
60 Posted 17/08/2018 at 19:56:44
If Gary Rowett is ever thinking of redeveloping his career, and gets out of Football, there is evidence that he may have a future in opening a Donkey Sanctuary.
Dave Abrahams
61 Posted 17/08/2018 at 20:02:39
Derek (#60), maybe he's still got a soft spot for Everton and is doing us a favour!!!
Lev Vellene
62 Posted 17/08/2018 at 20:26:23
I have been guilty of yelling insults at Cuco last season for his stopping up to use his right foot, and so eventually have all the opposition right backs knowing he'd never play a ball to his left to play someone through... But he did a good enough job when no one else was available. I think he even rattled Salah at Anfield, until that unfortunate goal he got...

At the end he even had some good crosses made with his left foot!

So good luck to Cuco Martina, and I will not think unkindly of him for his spell at Everton!

Christy Ring
63 Posted 17/08/2018 at 20:41:23
Delighted.
Robert Workman
64 Posted 17/08/2018 at 21:47:29
One of the worst players to put on an Everton shirt. Not his fault, but when Koeman signed him knowing that we had Kenny, I started to wonder what he was really all about.
Chris Corn
65 Posted 17/08/2018 at 22:27:17
I've seen worse than Martina in an Everton shirt.

Thomsen, Hottiger, Holmes, Rowett himself wasn't great, Milligan, Atteveld, Preki, Tiler, Williamson, O'Kane, Phelan, Tony Thomas and that is off the top of my head in 2 minutes of players in the last 20 years. I could go on if I put my mind to it but it is too depressing.
Gavin Johnson
66 Posted 18/08/2018 at 02:27:05
Danny Williamson, Chris?

I think he could have been a good player for us if he hadn't have got the injury that finished him so early on. I had pretty high hopes for him. Never understood what Howard Kendall was doing giving West Ham money and Unsworth for him though.

Williamson was the best out of the players we brought in that summer. He was defo a step up from Oster, Farrelly, Cleland and Tony Thomas. That's not saying too much, mind. It's no wonder we nearly went down that season with those kinds of players.

Gavin Johnson
67 Posted 18/08/2018 at 02:46:52
Just realised Cleland arrived the following summer under Walter.

Going back to Martina, I don't know why we couldn't just give him a free transfer. He didn't cost us anything. Are we expecting to get a fee for him next summer? Or are Stoke too dubious to give him a proper contract?

Mike Gaynes
68 Posted 18/08/2018 at 03:33:28
Jim #33, I'm in a book? Wow, that's way cool.

On the other hand, it would appear I have to sue somebody.

Ian Bennett
69 Posted 18/08/2018 at 03:53:03
I am no fan of his, but he'd get into most of the bottom 6 squads and every Championship squad.

A team wanting promotion or needing low-cost cover at the bottom of the Premier League may well be prepared to pay a permanent fee of £2m that Brands wants.

I am hoping Brands can continue re-shaping the squad. Future transfer fees for Bolasie, Besic, Mirallas, Vlasic, Martina, Sandro might just well pay for a Gomes or Zouma. If we can get £7m for Oviedo and Gibson, anything is possible...

Paul Traill
70 Posted 18/08/2018 at 03:56:55
Gavin (#66), I remember Howard telling me that Danny Williamson was one of his most disappointing signings due to circumstance. I don't know what that relates to, but he did have very good ability apparently.
Steavey Buckley
71 Posted 18/08/2018 at 06:31:46
People have written off Martina although he was never allowed to play in his favoured right back position. Most players who play on their wrong side don't do as well, yet, Martina did give some good performances in his unaccustomed left back position last season.
Rob Dolby
72 Posted 18/08/2018 at 07:19:03
Not the worst player to pull on the shirt. A utility player at best. He was a victim of circumstance, I don't recall him stinking the house out at any point. He was last year's boo boys favourite alongside Schneiderlin.

Good luck to the lad at Stoke.

Dave Abrahams
73 Posted 18/08/2018 at 09:17:58
Steavey (71), his first appearances were at right back and he played quite a few games in that position.
Steavey Buckley
74 Posted 18/08/2018 at 10:38:43
Dave (73) according to EFC, Martina made 16 appearances on the bounce at left back.
Ernie Baywood
75 Posted 18/08/2018 at 12:13:17
Difficult to call him a terrible signing when we ended up relying on him so much! Obviously that says more about the failure to address the left back position.

Was he awful? Let's be fair, he was just poor. But he didn't sign or pick himself. Good luck to him.

Dave Abrahams
76 Posted 18/08/2018 at 19:03:47
Steavey(74), yes I know he played a lot of games at left back, he also, as I said, played a lot of games at right back.You tell me how many how he played in a position, according to you, he wasn't allowed to play in.
Lenny Kingman
77 Posted 19/08/2018 at 12:41:08
The 66/1 on Stoke being relegated this season may not be the no hoper the odds suggest.

Not a great start by the Potters and having Williams and Martina manning the barricades could be something of a liability.

Peter Gorman
78 Posted 19/08/2018 at 15:40:56
"I remember Howard telling me that Danny Williamson was one of his most disappointing signings due to circumstance. I don't know what that relates to, but he did have very good ability apparently."

Paul, that must surely relate to the innocuous-seeming foot injury that finished his Everton and then football career. He made about 15 appearances for Everton which is hardly enough to be considered one of the worst signings ever, not when he was actually quite promising. But the injury finished him.

Matt Woods
79 Posted 20/08/2018 at 01:21:31
Danny Williamson was a very promising central midfielder in the Gareth Barry mould. He was composed with real positional discipline. His best game for Everton was in the Cadamateri derby where he bossed the midfield against the Spice Boys.

My understanding was he got a very bad injury while at West Ham and his development got stalled. As a youth, he was earmarked for top honours and Everton's £3 million fee was an acknowledgement of future potential. He was an expensive punt, and that is possibly why Howard was so disappointed.

Some players just have terrible luck. Paul Lake, Ian Durrant and Williamson never fulfilled their potential and have to live with it. In that regard, football can be so cruel.

Evertonians cherish derby victories and I can still almost feel the warmth of that Autumn sun when the Blue Boys battered the Spice Girls.

Lenny Kingman
80 Posted 23/08/2018 at 07:23:31
Going well for the Stokies. Into 33s for relegation now. They should send Williams and Co down for a few weeks on the pots to give them some perspective.

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