Mubama ready to 'stamp mark' on loan at Stoke

Divin Mubama made his Premier League debut for Manchester City as a substitute in a 6-0 win at Ipswich Town in January

Stoke City striker Divin Mubama says he wants "to stamp my mark on senior football" after joining the Championship club on a season-long loan from Manchester City.

The 20-year-old signed for City ahead of last season and scored his maiden goal in an 8-0 win over Salford in the FA Cup in January.

He initially came through the academy system at West Ham and made 18 appearances for the Hammers first team, scoring his first goal in the club's winning Europa Conference League campaign in March 2023.

Mubama, who has made nine Premier League appearances in his career so far, is out on loan for the first time.

"100%, I'm excited," he told BBC Radio Stoke.

"Obviously with it being my first loan, I want to stamp my mark on senior football.

"I know I can score goals at youth level and now it's about doing it at senior level."

Mubama will not be the only young forward competing for a place in the team this season, with the likes of last season's League Two player of the year Nathan Lowe and Emre Tezgel, both 19, also keen to get a chance.

"It's healthy," Mubama said.

"All three of us have had different journeys to get here. Us being around a similar age, we're still hungry and still striving and you want hungry players in the building because it makes you better."

With Premier League experience, his first senior goals and winning a European trophy under his belt at such a young age, Mubama knows he has to maintain his drive because football can be fickle.

"You want things to continue but let's not forget, this is football," he said

"There are rollercoasters and you've got to be ready. There are so many highs but how am I going to react when the low comes?

"So it's about me being prepared and I think I've given myself the best chance to be prepared going into this season.

"I know what I'm capable of and it's about doing it on the pitch now."

Mubama will be 'sponge' during loan

Mubama has been given the number nine shirt which, although he says is "just a number", he knows it carries a "prolific" connotation.

"I'm young and not afraid of anything, so if there's big risk and big pressure, you're a footballer and you get paid to do this," he said.

He added when he was looking at loan options for this season he asked himself, "Where can I learn the most?"

He said Stoke "is a good platform for me to kick on" because "everyone knows it shouldn't be where it is right now".

Mubama said the challenge to help the Potters return to the Premier League will also be enhanced by working with head coach Mark Robins - himself a former striker.

"It's helpful. It always is when your manager used to play and even more when he used to play as a striker," he said.

"I can learn off the manager and be a sponge and add things to my game.

"He knows the Football League a lot more than me so he's got loads of experience.

"Start, or no start, I can't wait for 9 August."