Stoke City seal permanent signing of Senegal midfielder Djibril Soumare

Stoke City have completed the permanent signing of Senegalese midfielder Djibril Soumare from Portuguese side SC Braga, with the player putting pen to paper on a three-year contract running until 2029.

The 23-year-old midfielder will continue his career in the English Championship after spending the 2025–2026 season on loan at Sheffield United, where he produced a series of impressive performances that attracted interest from several clubs in the division.

Stoke City moved decisively to secure the services of the Senegalese talent, convincing him to make the switch from Portugal to England on a permanent basis as they continue strengthening their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Soumare, a former Sahel Atlantic player in Senegal, gained valuable experience during his time with Sheffield United last season. He featured in 27 matches across all competitions, showcasing his energy, tactical discipline, and ability to control the tempo in midfield.

His performances in the Championship highlighted his growing maturity and adaptability to English football, qualities that reportedly played a key role in Stoke City’s decision to pursue him aggressively during the transfer window.

The move also marks the end of Soumare’s time with SC Braga in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, where he was regarded as one of the club’s promising midfield options before heading out on loan. After proving himself in England, the Senegalese midfielder now has the opportunity to establish himself permanently in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.

At Stoke City, Soumare is expected to bring dynamism, defensive solidity, and composure in possession to the midfield department as the club aims to push for a stronger Championship campaign.

The Potters believe the Senegalese international still has significant room for development, and the long-term contract reflects the club’s confidence in his potential and future contribution.

For Soumare, the transfer represents another important milestone in his career progression, with the midfielder now eager to build on the experience gained during his first season in English football and make a lasting impact at Stoke City.