Stoke City have signed Northern Ireland midfielder Ethan Galbraith for a reported £10m after also agreeing a deal for Sheffield Wednesday’s Svante Ingelsson earlier on Wednesday.
Galbraith, 25, joins the Potters from Swansea City where he scored three times in 39 Championship appearances in his one season in south Wales.
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The eight-figure deal is also believed to include potential add-ons.
Before moving to the Swans, former Manchester United graduate Galbraith spent two seasons with Leyton Orient – a period that brought 11 goals in 96 games.
Former Sweden youth international Ingelsson, 28, has spent the past two seasons with the Owls, making 75 appearances in the Championship during that time.
He has also had spells in Italy and Germany in his career that has so far seen him make play more than 250 games and joins the Potters for an undisclosed fee.
After promising “multiple signings” before the start of pre-season, Stoke sporting director Jonathan Walters has now overseen the arrival of four new players, having already brought in SC Braga midfielder Djibril Soumare and West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Josh Griffiths.
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Walters said Galbraith was a player “we feel can make a real difference” and was “one of the most gifted midfielders in the Championship”.
He added: “To be able to attract a player of Ethan’s calibre is another statement of intent.
“It reflects the ambition that runs throughout the football club and the backing we’ve received from [owner] John Coates as we continue building a squad capable of achieving our ambitions.”
On Ingelsson, Walters said the Swede was a “relentless competitor”.
“It was clear to us that, throughout a difficult 25-26 season [Sheffield Wednesday’s financial problems and relegation], he consistently set the standard with his attitude, work rate and willingness to take responsibility,” Walters said.
“Those are qualities we value highly and believe will complement the group we’re building.”
