FC St. Pauli

"We're happy the loan deal went through without any complications as part of our cooperation with Stoke City," said director of sport Uwe Stöver. "We want to help Thibaud take the next step. He gives us another attacking option."

A delighted Markus Kauczinski addded: "Thibaud is a talented young footballer with exceptional ability. He's already given a hint of his potential at training camp. We aim to integrate him in the team quickly and ease him into the second division."

Verlinden is also excited about the next few months: "I want to thank the Stoke officials for giving me this opportunity to join St. Pauli on loan. I'll do my utmost to help the team. The players have made me feel very welcome from the outset and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season with the team."