DONE DEAL: Gallagher Move Confirmed
Sam Gallagher joins Stoke City on a three-year contract. The 28-year-old striker, formerly of Blackburn Rovers, brings a wealth of experience with over 150 Championship appearances.
A Look Back at Gallagher’s Career
Gallagher made his professional debut with Southampton before moving on loan to Milton Keynes Dons in 2015. He rejoined Southampton in 2018 after a stint at Birmingham, before making a permanent move to Blackburn Rovers in 2019. During his tenure at Blackburn, Gallagher appeared in 34 Championship matches in the 2022-2023 season, scoring 8 goals and providing 2 assists. His performance was notable for his 372 duels, of which he won 160.
In the 2023-2024 Championship season, Gallagher made 24 appearances, netting 3 goals and contributing 3 assists. His efforts were crucial in the FA Cup, where he scored once and assisted twice in just two appearances, earning an impressive average rating of 8.9. Gallagher’s versatility and work rate will be vital for Stoke City as they look to bolster their attacking prowess.
Career Highlights:
- Professional debut with Southampton
- Loan to Milton Keynes Dons in 2015
- Permanent move to Blackburn Rovers in 2019
- 34 Championship matches in 2022-2023 season
- Notable FA Cup performances in 2023-2024 season
Gallagher’s Ambitions with Stoke City
Expressing his enthusiasm about the move, Gallagher said, “The direction that the Club wants to go in is what attracted me. 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.”
Gallagher’s arrival comes amidst a busy transfer period for Stoke City. The club has seen several key signings and departures, including the acquisition of E. Bocat from St. Truiden and V. Johansson from Rotherham. Stoke City has also let go of players like D. Wright-Phillips and L. Cundle, as they reshape their squad for the upcoming season.
Stoke City’s Upcoming Fixtures
Stoke City’s pre-season form has been promising, with victories against Chester, Cork City, and Crewe. However, they faced a setback against Stockport County. The Potters will kick off their Championship campaign on August 10th against Coventry, followed by fixtures against Watford and West Brom. These matches will be crucial for Gallagher and his new teammates as they look to make an early impact in the league.
Conclusion
Sam Gallagher’s transfer to Stoke City is a done deal that promises to bring new dynamics to the club’s forward line. With his experience and proven track record, Gallagher aims to help Stoke City achieve their ambition of climbing the Championship table. Fans will be eagerly watching as the new season unfolds to see how Gallagher integrates into the squad and contributes to the team’s success.
