POTTERS SIGN STRIKER GALLAGHER FROM BLACKBURN
Stoke City have completed the signing of striker Sam Gallagher from Blackburn Rovers for an undisclosed fee.
The 28-year-old, who will wear the number 20 shirt, has penned a three-year deal at the bet365 Stadium and is set to feature for the first time when AZ Alkmaar visit ST4 on Saturday.
Gallagher joined Southampton as a 16-year-old and made 18 Premier League appearances for the Saints before an initial loan spell at Ewood Park preceded a permanent switch to Lancashire in 2019.
The 6ft 4ins striker, who also enjoyed temporary stays at Milton Keynes Dons and Birmingham City, has recorded 50 goals and 22 assists in the Championship to date.
Stoke City Sporting Director Jon Walters said: “Sam has a wealth of Championship experience and that’s something we wanted to bring into our forward line for the new season, to complement the players we already have and others we are looking to bring in.
“He is a traditional number nine but has played a lot of his recent football for Blackburn in wide positions. He has shown for a number of years that those around him benefit from playing alongside him.
“There was a lot of interest in Sam from elsewhere, so for him to have chosen us shows that he likes what we are about as a Club, and we are delighted to welcome him to Stoke City.”
The former England youth international explained that the Potters’ ambitious plans are aligned to his own desire for success.
“The direction that the Club wants to go in is what attracted me,” Gallagher explained.
“There is an eagerness to climb the league which aligns with what I want to achieve.
“I feel confident in my abilities, I want to impact the team in a positive way and, most importantly, for the Club to be successful.”