Stoke sign midfielder Soumare and keeper Griffiths

Stoke City have made their first new signings of the summer, completing deals for SC Braga midfielder Djibril Soumare and West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Josh Griffiths

Senegal-born Soumare, 23, has agreed a three-year contract and moves for an undisclosed fee.

He joined the Portuguese top-flight side in 2023, making two appearances, but has spent the bulk of his first-team experience on loan, including a spell at Sheffield United last season, when he made 27 appearances in all competitions.

Griffiths, 24, has signed a two-year contract and also moves for a fee that has not been revealed.

He has been with the Baggies his whole career to date, but has gained extensive EFL experience during loan spells with Cheltenham Town, Lincoln City, Portsmouth and Bristol Rovers.

Griffiths played 24 times in the Championship last season with Albion, keeping six clean sheets.

Stoke sporting director Jonathan Walters stated last week that he was keen to make multiple signings before the start of pre-season next month and said Soumare would complement the squad well.

"He has the attributes to operate as a defensive midfielder, protect the back line and help the team progress the ball," he told the club's website., external

"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."

Griffiths said: , external"Last season, I gained a lot of experience in Championship football after good loan experiences in League One and Two.

"I've now played a decent amount of games in my career which has given me a calmness that I believe will help players in front of me."