Potters sanction exit of frontman Ennis as players report for duty

STOKE City have signed off the exit of Niall Ennis as they continue to tweak the squad that returns for the start of pre-season training today.

- Peter Smith

Ennis, aged 26, has joined League One Blackpool, where he spent the second half of last term on loan, for an undisclosed fee.

He had one year remaining on his contract at Stoke, having been signed by his old Plymouth boss Steven Schumacher in early 2024 but only scoring once in 23 Championship appearances.

He is the first confirmed departure since Stoke released Enda Stevens, Jordan Thompson, Michael Rose and Lynden Gooch as free agents while Ryan Mmaee is expected to leave and the door is open for Andre Vidigal.

It wouldn't be a surprise if Stoke received inquiries about one or two players nearer the first team over the rest of the window but that remains quiet at the moment.