Stoke City have confirmed the signing of Daniel Johnson after his time at Preston North End came to an end.
We have already seen Ben Pearson complete a permanent move from Bournemouth to Stoke this summer.
Alex Neil is bringing a real PNE influence to Stoke and Johnson only adds to that.
Stoke have announced Johnson’s arrival on a two-year contract as he signs on a free transfer.
Johnson’s PNE deal came to an end this summer with a respectful parting of the ways.
Johnson spent eight-and-a-half years at Deepdale having famously arrived for just £50,000 back in January 2015.
The Jamaican played a vital role in PNE winning promotion to the Championship just months later and he became a mainstay of the North End side.
Johnson ended up playing nearly 350 times for North End and his departure is a tough one to take for some.
Whilst there has been speculation about where Johnson could end up, one rumour stood out above all – Stoke City.
The Potters are managed by Johnson’s former PNE boss Neil, who coached the playmaker in nearly 150 games at North End.
A reunion seemed to make sense and here we are with Johnson signing on the dotted line to play for Neil once more.
Johnson has now highlighted Neil’s influence, believing they have a mutual understanding of what each other can expect and deliver.
Johnson is embracing a ‘new challenge’ away from PNE and is confident if playing his best football for the Potters.
“The gaffer has had a positive influence on my career and I know what he expects from his teams,” said Johnson. “I think, equally, he knows what I can deliver for him.
“It is a new challenge for me; one that has come at a good time in my career where I really believe I can showcase my best football in a Stoke City shirt.”