It has been a busy start to the summer transfer window for several Northern Ireland internationals, with Ethan Galbraith completing a big-money move to Stoke City and a number of other players securing new clubs.
Galbraith has joined Stoke on a four-year deal from fellow Championship side Swansea City for a fee believed to be in the region of £10 million.
The 25-year-old midfielder enjoyed an outstanding first season in South Wales, making 44 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and collecting the club's Best Newcomer award.
Speaking to the Stoke City website, Sporting Director Jonathan Walters said: "Ethan is a player we feel can make a real difference. In our view, he's one of the most gifted midfielders in the Championship, and at 25 he has his best years ahead of him.
"He's technically exceptional, tactically flexible and has consistently shown he can influence games through both goals and creativity.
"Just as importantly, he's a player with the character, professionalism and mentality that fits perfectly with the culture we're creating."
Galbraith has won 16 senior caps for Northern Ireland and began his career at Manchester United, making his first-team debut in a UEFA Europa League fixture against Astana in November 2019.
Loan spells at Doncaster Rovers and Salford City followed before he left Old Trafford in 2023 to join Leyton Orient. After two impressive seasons in east London, he earned a £1.8 million move to Swansea City last summer before completing his switch to Stoke.
Speaking after signing, Galbraith said: "I had a chat with Jon Walters, Stuart Harvey and the manager (Mark Robins), and everything that I've heard, the ambition of the club and how the gaffer wants us as players to go about our job really appealed to me.
"I'm a big believer in everything happens for a reason and coming to a club like this, a huge club with great history and the ambition they've shown of where they want to go again, aligns with my own desire to play in the Premier League."
Meanwhile, midfielder Joely Andrews has completed a move to Hibernian Women in the Scottish Women's Premier League, signing a two-year deal after helping Hearts win the SWPL title last season. The 24-year-old Northern Ireland international, who has won 35 senior caps, becomes the latest addition to Hibs' squad ahead of the new campaign.
Elsewhere, former Linfield forward Shayne Lavery has signed a new one-year contract with Cambridge United after initially being released by the League One club at the end of last season.
Speaking to the Cambridge United website, Lavery said: "It was always a possibility. There was just a bit of waiting time, but I am buzzing to still be here and can't wait to get going.
"The gaffer and the staff found a good way of managing my minutes and I am looking forward to staying fit, scoring goals and helping the team."
Experienced striker Josh Magennis has also found a new club, signing a one-year deal with League One side Stevenage following his departure from Exeter City.
Forward Dion Charles has also secured a move ahead of the new season, joining League One side Blackpool on a season-long loan from Huddersfield Town. The 30-year-old returns to the club where he began his career and will be hoping to help the Seasiders push for promotion during the 2026-27 campaign.
