Stoke have announced the signing of Ireland B international Jon Walters from Ipswich for £2.75million, which could rise to £3.25million depending on appearances.
The 26-year old scored eight goals for Roy Keane’s Ipswich side in the Championship last season and can play up front or on the right side of midfield.
Walters has signed a four year deal with the Potters and manager Tony Pulis is confident of his ability to make an impact in the Premier League.
“I have been looking to bring more goals to the squad and Jon certainly fits that bill,†he said.
“He has been one of the outstanding performers in the Championship over the past three years and I am confident the lad can make the same sort of impact in the Premier League now that he has been given this opportunity.
“The fact that he is versatile will increase competition for places in the squad which is something we have been looking to achieve.”
Walters himself is looking forward to the challenge and believes he can make an impact in the top division, of which he has experience from his time at Bolton Wanderers.
“It’s always good to know that a manager has that faith in your ability and that was certainly an influence on my decision to come here,†he said.
“I am excited about moving here and it is the fulfilment of a long-term goal of mine to get back into the Premier League.
“I had a sniff of it in my time at Bolton, but I knew that in dropping down the leagues, it would take a lot of hard work to get back there one day.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Ipswich, especially being the captain of the club, but this was the opportunity I had been working towards and I’m glad it’s come at a club like Stoke.â€
Walters is Stoke’s fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Carlo Nash, Florent Cuvelier and Kenwyne Jones at the Britannia Stadium.
