Stoke City have completed the signing of midfielder Djibril Soumaré from Portuguese Primeira Liga side S.C. Braga on a three-year contract, with the transfer to complete on 1 July.
The 23-year-old, who made 27 appearances for Sheffield United during a loan spell last term, moves to ST4 from the 25-26 UEFA Europa League semi-finalists for an undisclosed fee.
Born in the Senegalese capital, Dakar, Soumaré began his career in his homeland with Sahel Atlantic before he moved Braga in 2021, where he excelled for their U19 and B sides prior to his senior debut in the UEFA Champions League.
‘Djibril is a player who fits the profile’
An under-23 international, he joined the Blades following a previous loan spell with C.D. Nacional in the Portuguese top flight when, aged 21, he played an integral role in ensuring the Madeiran side retained their Primeira Liga status following a three-season absence.
“Djibril is a player who fits the profile we wanted to add to our midfield,” Sporting Director Jonathan Walters explained.
“He is 6’2”, athletic, comfortable on the ball and likes to play forward. He has the attributes to operate as a defensive midfielder, protect the back line and help the team progress the ball through the pitch.
“He has gained valuable experience in different countries and, at just 23, already has a strong range of experiences to draw upon. Last season gave him the opportunity to settle into the Championship with Sheffield United, and we believe that experience will serve him well going forward.
“We feel he adds balance and competition to our midfield group, while also giving us different qualities within the squad.
“He is still young, hungry to improve and has plenty of room for development. We are excited to see him continue to grow as a player while working with our coaching staff.”
Soumaré, who will link up with his new teammates to commence pre-season training at Clayton Wood next week, added: “My overriding emotion upon signing for Stoke City is one of pride.
“Like every young footballer, I want coaches who really enjoy developing the player and I believe that the coaches here are the right ones for me.
“I would say that I am an aggressive player who likes the ball. I enjoy being aggressive in my mentality but also in how I win the ball for the team too.
“I am 23, I am no longer a kid; I feel more mature for last season in the Championship, where I know you have to run a lot, and that experience is one I have felt significant benefit from.
“I cannot wait to meet our supporters but I know the only way to earn their trust, and that of the Manager, is to give my utmost every time I train and play, and by helping my teammates to win matches for Stoke City.”
