Analysis: The Stoke City Barcelona Pipeline

Fourth, the subdued nature of Stoke-on-Trent. Cruickshank points to the subdued nature of Stoke supporters in the city as a reason FC Barcelona’s starlets may favour a move to the Staffordshire side.

“People are used to seeing footballers in that area, so they can walk around without getting pestered,” stated Cruickshank. “When Bojan broke into the team at Barcelona, he couldn’t walk out his front door because of paparazzi and he couldn’t go out to eat with his girlfriend. Here, he is left to get on with his life.”

This fact cannot be understated, and is a factor that a number of major European players cite as an added perk when moving from major European football leagues to Major League Soccer in North America.

Next: 5. Revenue