Stoke City have reached an agreement with Portuguese side Braga for the transfer of Senegalese defensive midfielder Djibril Soumare in a deal worth £3.7 million, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
The 23-year-old is now expected to complete the move and sign a three-year contract with the Championship club, marking a significant addition to Stoke City’s midfield options ahead of the new season.
Soumare attracted considerable interest during the transfer window, with several French clubs monitoring his situation. Ligue 1 sides Lille, Toulouse, and Strasbourg are all understood to have made inquiries regarding the midfielder’s availability, but Stoke City have ultimately won the race for his signature.
The Senegalese midfielder arrives with valuable experience of English football following a loan spell at Sheffield United during the 2025/26 campaign. He featured in 25 Championship matches for the Blades and contributed one assist, earning praise for his defensive discipline, ball-winning ability, and composure in midfield.
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Having previously developed his career in Portugal with Braga, Soumare is viewed as a player capable of adding both physicality and tactical intelligence to Stoke City’s midfield unit. His performances in England last season are believed to have played a major role in convincing the Potters to pursue a permanent deal.
The move represents another important step in the career of the Senegal international, who will now look to establish himself as a key figure at Stoke City as the club aims to strengthen its squad for the challenges ahead.
According to Transfermarkt, Soumare currently holds a market value of €2 million, although Stoke City’s willingness to invest £3.7 million highlights the club’s confidence in his potential and long-term value.
With the deal agreed and personal terms expected to be finalized soon, Soumare appears set to begin a new chapter in English football as he prepares to join Stoke City on a permanent basis.
