Stoke sign striker Gallagher from Blackburn

Sam Gallagher has scored 58 career goals for Southampton, Blackburn and Birmingham City

Stoke City have signed striker Sam Gallagher from Blackburn Rovers for an undisclosed fee.

The 28-year-old, who joined Rovers from Southampton in 2019, has signed a three-year deal to become Potters boss Steven Schumacher's fourth summer signing - in marked contrast to the summer of 2023, when the club brought in 19 players.

It follows the arrivals of goalkeeper Viktor Johansson and defenders Ben Gibson and Eric Bocat.

“Sam has a wealth of Championship experience," said Stoke sporting director Jon Walters.

"That’s something we wanted to bring into our forward line 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."

After joining Southampton as a 16-year-old, former England youth international Gallagher had loan spells at Milton Keynes Dons, Blackburn and Birmingham City before a permanent move to East Lancashire in 2019.

“The direction that the club wants to go in is what attracted me,” said Gallagher.

"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.”