Former Shrewsbury Town prospect makes Championship switch weeks after Manchester United pro deal

Ex-Shrewsbury Town academy starlet Louie Bradbury has completed a move to Championship side Stoke City.

The Shropshire-born teenager joins the Potters just weeks after signing his first professional contract with Manchester United - a deal which also earned Salop a small fee.

The 17-year-old spent several years in Town’s academy, rising through the ranks before joining United at the age of 14.

Bradbury flourished at Old Trafford, enjoying a breakthrough campaign under United great Darren Fletcher and earning his first professional terms with the club this summer.

But Stoke have now swooped to capture the highly-rated young forward, with Bradbury signing a two-year professional contract that includes the option of a further year in the club’s favour.

The represented Wales at this summer’s Under-19 European Championships, making substitute appearances against Denmark and Spain.

Stoke’s academy director Jack Higgins said: “We are delighted to bring Louie to the club.

“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.”

Manchester United also wished Bradbury well following his departure, saying: “Everyone at Manchester United wishes Louie all the best with his next stage of his career.”

Shrewsbury-born Bradbury signed his scholarship with United last year after making five appearances for the club’s under-18s during the 2024/25 season.

Under the guidance of Fletcher during the 2025/26 campaign, Bradbury enjoyed a breakthrough season, scoring nine goals in all competitions for the under-18s and adding a further two for the under-21s.