Former Lincoln City goalkeeper Josh Griffiths has completed a move to Stoke City, joining the Potters from Championship rivals West Bromwich Albion.
The 24-year-old has signed a two-year contract at the bet365 Stadium, becoming one of Stoke’s first summer arrivals as Mark Robins begins reshaping his squad ahead of the new campaign.
Griffiths spent the 2021-22 season on loan with the Imps, arriving from West Brom in July 2021 and quickly establishing himself as Michael Appleton’s first-choice goalkeeper. He made his debut on the opening day away at Gillingham and went on to make 35 appearances in all competitions, including 33 in League One, before an ankle injury brought his campaign to an early end.
His spell at Sincil Bank came during a difficult and unsettled season for City, with defensive changes a recurring feature in front of him. Even so, Griffiths gained valuable senior minutes and continued a development path that had already included a title-winning loan at Cheltenham Town, where he helped the Robins win League Two in 2020-21.
Since leaving Lincoln, Griffiths has added further EFL experience with Portsmouth and Bristol Rovers, as well as breaking into the West Brom side. He made 24 Championship appearances for Albion last season, keeping six clean sheets, before Stoke moved to secure him on a permanent deal.
Speaking to Stoke’s official website, Griffiths said:
“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.”
The move gives Griffiths a fresh start in the Championship after spending his entire career to date with West Brom. Stoke had been expected to strengthen their goalkeeping department, with the former Lincoln loanee set to join a squad also containing Viktor Johansson.
Griffiths was not Stoke’s only signing of the day, with the Potters also completing a deal for SC Braga midfielder Djibril Soumare. The 23-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Sheffield United, has signed a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
Comments Welcome!