Stoke sign Man Utd striker Louie Bradbury Carrick prepares for Everton

Stoke City have secured 17‑year‑old striker Louie Bradbury from Manchester United on a two‑year contract with an option for a further year, the club announced on 5 Sep, while manager Michael Carrick prepares his Red Devils for a Premier League clash with Everton on Sunday.

Stoke's rationale for signing Bradbury

Academy director Jack Higgins said the club are delighted to add Louie, describing him as an exciting striker for the U18 and U21 groups. He highlighted Bradbury’s record of ten goals in twenty‑four appearances for United’s youth sides and his recent goal in a 3‑0 U18 win over Everton. Comments from Senior Sports Writer Jake Bayliss of Sport noted the signing underscores Stoke’s focus on youth development. The deal was announced with accompanying Images and an Image on the club’s website.

The 17‑year‑old signed a two‑year contract with an option for a further year, ensuring he joins Stoke’s youth setup straight away. He will train alongside the club’s existing prospects, with View of earning a senior debut in the coming seasons. Stoke’s statement praised his brilliant experiences with Manchester United over the past few years.

United's broader transfer picture

Meanwhile, Manchester United have completed three midfield signings this window, yet Carlos Baleba remains sidelined as he recovers from injury and will miss the upcoming match against the Toffees. The Red Devils therefore have limited options at left‑back, with Luke Shaw left without direct competition and manager Michael Carrick preferring to push Patrick Dorgu further forward. MAN UTD’s squad depth remains a work in progress. UTD’s campaign aims for back‑to‑back wins as the club can solely focus on the Premier League this weekend after the summer transfer window closed.

United icon Wes Brown argued the club erred by not completing a big‑money move for Newcastle full‑back Lewis Hall. He said Hall, a 21‑year‑old, was the real deal and that he would have paid the £75million fee for him. Brown believes Hall would have fitted well alongside Luke Shaw, whose injury record still raises questions.

For Stoke, Bradbury’s arrival adds a proven goal‑scorer to their development pipeline, while Manchester United lose a promising academy striker as they concentrate on senior squad objectives. The transfer highlights United’s willingness to let fringe youth move on in favour of immediate Premier League ambitions.