Stoke City sign Wales defender James Chester on a permeant basis
Wales defender James Chester has joined Stoke City on a permanent basis.
The Welsh international returns to the bet365 after the expiry of his contract at Aston Villa and joins on a one-year basis.
Chester spent the second half of the season with the Potters and helped them to safety in the EFL Championship.
“James brings vast experience to our squad and he has already shown himself to be a massive influence, both in and around the training ground and in matches,” said manager Michael O’Neill after securing one of his defensive targets.
“It’s no coincidence that in the 13 games he started after joining us on loan from Villa we claimed 24 points and I’m delighted to have him on board.”
Chester joins a Welsh contingent in Staffordshire with no fewer than five Welsh players now being part of the first-team squad of Stoke.
Uncapped defender Morgan Fox joined last week after a free transfer from Sheffield Wednesday whilst Adam Davies, Joe Allen and Sam Vokes were already at the club.
One Wales international who seems unlikely to add to that is Kieffer Moore.
Stoke look set to withdraw their interest in the Wigan Athletic striker with now Cardiff City and Middlesbrough looking to battle it out for the 28-year-old.
