Manchester United academy striker Louie Bradbury joins Stoke City on two-year deal

Stoke City have completed the permanent signing of Manchester United academy striker Louie Bradbury, with the 17-year-old agreeing a two-year professional contract at the Championship club, plus an option in Stoke’s favour for the 2028/29 season.

Bradbury, who is from Shrewsbury, joined United at Under-14 level and earned his scholarship with the club in 2025. During his four years at Old Trafford he made his mark at youth level, scoring ten goals in 26 Under-21 appearances, including strikes against West Brom and Derby last season. He also netted eight Under-18 Premier League goals the previous campaign and made five appearances for the Under-18s in 2024/25, including a debut as a late substitute in the FA Youth Cup fourth round.

Days before the move was confirmed, Bradbury scored in a 3-0 Under-18 victory over Everton. He has also represented Wales at youth level, featuring for the Under-19s this summer with substitute appearances against Denmark and Spain.

Stoke academy director Jack Higgins welcomed the signing, saying: “We are delighted to bring Louie to the club, adding to the crop of exciting strikers we have within the U18s and U21s. Louie joins us at a good age to continue his development and thrive in our environment after some brilliant experiences with Manchester United during the past few years.”

A statement on the Manchester United website confirmed the deal, adding: “Everyone at Manchester United wishes Louie all the best with his next stage of his career.”

Bradbury becomes the latest teenager to leave United’s academy this summer. Winger James Scanlon and full-back Habeeb Ogunneye both departed for Arsenal during the transfer window, while midfielder Gabriele Biancheri joined Austrian second-division side FC Wacker Innsbruck. United’s attempt to sign Leicester City prospect Louis Page was unsuccessful, with the teenager remaining at the League One club after the two sides failed to agree terms.