Ex-Norwich City defender Ben Gibson completes Stoke move

The defender has been heavily linked with the club since his Carrow Road exit at the end of his contract last month, with Stoke beating a host of competition to sign the 31-year-old on a three-year deal. 

Stoke have reportedly agreed to pay Gibson a wage of £1million a year. He made 35 Championship appearances for City last season as they finished inside the play-offs before crashing out to Leeds United in the second leg of the semi-final. 

Norwich have already moved to sign Gibson's replacement, agreeing a deal to sign Panamanian left-sided centre back Jose Cordoba in a move that will be ratified upon the opening of the transfer window next week. 

Since joining from Burnley on an initial deal in 2020 that was made permanent upon promotion to the Premier League, Gibson made 124 appearances for the Canaries during his spell in Norfolk. 

He is now relishing his new challenge at the Bet365 Stadium as he seeks to help turn round their fortunes after several testing seasons since Premier League relegation in 2018.

“Stoke City is a fantastic club, with lots of history, huge stature and I am looking forward to getting to work," the ex-Norwich man said. 

“I have played here, the atmosphere is fantastic and the fanbase speaks for itself. I want to be part of a team that brings the good times back to Stoke.

“There are some brilliant players here and it is now about creating that unity and togetherness to find the camaraderie which will set us on our way to achieving something great.

“We have to build a culture and environment where everyone is demanding of each other, where we don’t accept second best from anyone in this football club from top to bottom.

“Our fans work hard to earn their money every week to come and support us so they need to see a team that reflects them, their personalities and attitude to life.

“It is important we recreate that and they have that connection with the team.”

Stoke's sporting director, ex-Ipswich forward Jon Walters, played with Gibson at Burnley and explained what the defender will bring to their side. 

“Successful teams need leaders, strong characters and experience and Ben gives us all three qualities in abundance," the Irishman said. 

Ben Gibson played over 100 times for Norwich City during a four year spell in Norfolk. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

“Beyond his contributions on the pitch, he sets high standards of himself and others, both on the training ground and off the pitch. 

“Having won promotion from the second tier on several occasions during his career, Ben is well versed in knowing what it takes to be successful at this level.
 
“He was near ever present in a play-off side last season and brings the hunger, mentality and leadership to help drive our club in the right direction.”