Bye- bye Baggies as Fletcher opts to join Stoke on two- year contract
WestBrom captain Darren Fletcher will join Stoke on a free transfer next month.
The Scotland midfielder is out of contract at the end of June and has agreeda twoyear deal with Stoke, the club confirmed.
Fletcher, originally from Dalkeith, had been in contract talks with the Baggies, having triggered a one- year option in his favour earlier this season, but has opted not to extend his two- and- a- half- year stay.
Fletcher told Stoke’s official website :“It’ s all happened incredibly quickly, but I am delighted to be here.
“This is a fantastic club with a top manager and a great group of players and I am really looking forward to this opportunity.
“I loved every moment of my time at West Bromwich Albion and I loved ever y moment of my time with Manchester United, but this is a new challenge for me now, and I like to think I respond well to new challenges.”
Former Scotland captain Fletcher ,33, follows Sai do Bera hi no to Stoke after the striker moved to the Potters from Albion for £ 12million in the January transfer window.
He becomes Mark Hughes’ first summer signing as the manager refreshes his squad with record £18 m signing Giannelli Imbula expected to leave. Just two weeks ago Albion boss Tony Pulis was convinced Fletcher would stay at The Hawthorns and his exit is a huge blow.
Pul is held talks with the club’ s Chinese owners last week as they plan for next season and he must now replace his captain.
Fletcher made 97 appearancesfort he club and was handed the armband within a week of joining in 2015.