Irish midfielder Andrew Moran joins Stoke City on loan
Stoke City loan Brighton's Andrew Moran for the season Credit: Conor Ryan (ETPhotos)
Stoke City have bolstered their midfield options by signing Republic of Ireland international Andrew Moran on a season-long loan from Brighton & Hove Albion. The 20-year-old midfielder previously had a loan spell with Blackburn Rovers last season.
Moran made an impact at Blackburn Rovers during the 2023/24 season, contributing six assists and scoring twice in 19 Championship starts.
Having begun his career with Bray Wanderers, where he became the club's youngest-ever player at just 15 years old, Moran moved to Brighton in July 2020.
At Brighton, the Dubliner excelled in the club's Academy sides, amassing 14 goals and 10 assists in 42 Premier League 2 appearances. His talent was also evident at the Under-18 level, where he contributed directly to 23 goals in 24 matches.
Moran's rise has also been recognised on the international stage. He made his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland in November, following 11 appearances for the Under-21 side.
Stoke City Sporting Director Jonathan Walters expressed his excitement about the loan signing, stating: "Andrew is a young player with a bright future high up in the game, and someone we believe is ready to make an impact in the Championship this season."
Walters added, "He is the kind of player that will get our supporters off their seats – an intelligent, creative player with an eye for goal and his work-rate is phenomenal. He’s highly rated by Brighton, and the experience he gained from his first loan in the Championship last season will stand him in good stead to hit the ground running this time around."
