The Verdict

Despite only playing in 47 games in all competitions for Stoke, Collins was highly-rated by all at the bet365 Stadium and he will be a big loss to the back-line next season.

However that £12 million could go a long way if it is to be re-invested into the playing squad, but with Stoke attempting to slash the wage bill dramatically in an attempt to stabilise the finances there's also a chance it could just go straight into the bank.

Thankfully for O'Neill he does have solid options already at centre-back and he's been boosted with the arrival of Ben Wilmot from Watford, who is a really good replacement for Collins and is a player who could make the club profit down the line should he develop further.

But it's still sad for a fans to see a home-grown player depart and it's an emotional exit for Collins as well having been at Stoke for over five years.