Stoke City have re-signed Wales international James Chester on a permanent deal. The 31-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at the Potters from Premier League side Aston Villa. However, he now bolsters the Stoke defence and becomes their second signing of the summer after the capture of left-back Morgan Fox.
James Chester Re-Joins Stoke City
🤝 James Chester has returned to Stoke City on a permanent deal.#SCFC 🔴⚪️
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) August 10, 2020
A Key Player for Stoke
Despite having a long pause to his Stoke career after the suspension of the season interrupted his loan, Chester had a big impact in the Potteries last season. He started 13 times for Michael O’Neill’s side and in those games, Stoke earned 24 points.
His addition to the side certainly helped Stoke pull away from the bottom three and eventually finish in mid-table. Now, he will be hoping to have the same effect over a longer period and help Stoke re-establish themselves in the Championship.
Chester has signed an initial one-year contract with the club and will be on the plane to the club’s training camp in Belfast this week.
What Was Said?
Speaking to the club website, Stoke manager O’Neill said of the move: “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.
“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.”
In an Instagram post, Chester expressed his happiness at returning to the club, saying: “Very pleased to confirm my permanent signing for Stoke City. Last season was fantastic to get back playing and keeping the club in the Championship was well deserved by all involved.
“Now time to push on as a club and aim for higher next season.”
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