Young Striker Relishes First Loan Opportunity
Divin Mubama has outlined his determination to make an immediate impact at Stoke City after securing his first career loan move from Manchester City. The 20-year-old striker, who scored his first senior goal for City in January’s 8-0 FA Cup rout of Salford, views this Championship spell as the perfect platform to transition from promising talent to established professional.
“Absolutely I’m excited,” Mubama told BBC Radio Stoke. “This is my chance to prove I can deliver at senior level after showing what I can do in youth football.” The London-born forward brings valuable top-flight experience, having made nine Premier League appearances and featured in West Ham’s 2023 Europa Conference League triumph before his Etihad switch.
Embracing Competition in Potters’ Attack
Mubama will battle fellow prospects Nathan Lowe (last season’s League Two Player of the Year) and Emre Tezgel for starting opportunities in Mark Robins’ side. Rather than viewing this as an obstacle, the young striker sees it as motivational. “Our different pathways have brought us here, but we share the same hunger,” he explained. “That competitive edge in training raises everyone’s game.”
The temporary move represents a calculated next step for a player who has already sampled European glory and Premier League football. “Football’s full of highs and lows,” Mubama reflected. “I’ve enjoyed some incredible moments, but the real test is how you respond to challenges. This season is about showing I can consistently perform.”
Honored by No.9 Responsibility
Handed Stoke’s prestigious number nine jersey, Mubama acknowledged the weight of expectation while embracing the pressure. “It’s just a number, but everyone knows what it represents,” he said. “I’m here to score goals and help this club climb the table.” His confidence shines through when discussing the season ahead: “Big pressure comes with the territory – that’s why we’re professionals.”
Learning from Striker-Turned-Coach
A key factor in Mubama’s decision was the opportunity to work under Robins, whose own playing career included successful spells at Manchester United and Leicester. “Having a manager who played up front is invaluable,” Mubama noted. “I’ll absorb everything – his knowledge of the Football League, movement in the box, all the little details that make the difference.”
The young forward believes Stoke’s current position belies their potential. “This club belongs higher, and I want to help make that happen,” he stated, already looking ahead to the Championship opener on August 9. Whether starting or introduced from the bench, Mubama is determined to repay the faith shown in him and prove he can thrive in the relentless Championship environment.
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