Marc Muniesa has made his move from Stoke City to Girona permanent, after a season-long loan at the Spanish side, the club have confirmed.

The 26-year-old Catalan defender, who made 57 Premier League appearances for Stoke City in his four years at the club after joining from Barcelona, often found himself hampered by injury.

A Stoke career which never really got into full flow, Marc Muniesa was nonetheless something of a fan favourite in Staffordshire.

After a successful time on loan at Girona, a permanent move to the Spanish club was always on the cards for the Spaniard.

Despite the loss of Muniesa, Stoke City still have a very competitive Championship squad at their disposal.

Gary Rowett is reportedly offering Stoke City stalwart centre back Ryan Shawcross a pay rise, to keep him at the Bet365 Stadium next season.

The Verdict

Muniesa was a defender who was composed and very capable at Premier League level, capped 26 times for Spain at youth level, and it would always have been an uphill struggle for the Potters to have kept hold of him whilst a second tier side.

However, a player who is less injury prone, with a knowledge of the Championship, could be brought in to be a solid replacement for Muniesa.