Stoke defender Marc Muniesa has agreed a new four-year contract with the Premier League club.
Muniesa, 23, opted to leave Spanish giants Barcelona in the summer of 2013 to sign for Mark Hughes' side and has become an increasingly important presence due to his versatility.
With club captain Ryan Shawcross out for two months due to a back problem and Marc Wilson also a doubt for the curtain-raiser against Liverpool on Sunday, the Barcelona academy prospect could have an even more pivotal role in the early stages of the season.
"We're delighted that he's recommitted to the club,'' said Hughes. "He made a big decision when he decided to join. It's not easy to leave a club of the stature of Barcelona, you have to have a real strength of character to concede that you're going to shut the door on maybe a dream that you've had for a long, long time and go on another path.
"He was prepared to do that, he saw us as a good option for him. He had to be patient, he didn't walk into the team. He probably wasn't physically strong enough initially when he came but he's worked exceptionally hard on the strength and conditioning side. That helped him.
"But it was always going to be his talent that forced him into my thinking. Whenever I've asked him to come on, he's never let me down. He's growing stronger month on month and we're delighted he's recommitted.
"He's a good guy as well; he always plays with a smile on his face and he's an engaging character around the group.''