Stoke City have completed the signing of 35-year-old defender Aaron Cresswell. Cresswell joins Stoke after his 11-year spell with West Ham came to an end due his contact expiring.
The former England international has signed a one-year deal with the Potters with an option to extend it for a further year.
Cresswell makes the move to Staffordshire after spending 11 years at Premier League side West Ham, where he went on to make 369 appearances across all competitions. He scored 11 goals and picked up 37 assists during his spell.
Before joining the Hammers in 2015, Cresswell had spells at Ipswich Town and Tranmere Rovers. He started his footballing career at Liverpool but was released at the age of 15.
Throughout his 17-year career, the left-back has made a total of 587 appearances and scored 24 times. Cresswell is known for his wand of a left foot and set-pieces, especially at West Ham. He is also capable of scoring directly from set-pieces, which he did twice whilst playing in claret and blue.
Despite his age, Cresswell is still more than capable of playing at the highest level, which he showed last season as he featured 18 times for West Ham in the Premier League. So his signature is seen as a major coup by Stoke.
Throughout his career, he’s managed to pick up a few personal accolades as well as a European trophy. He was named Ipswich Town Player of the Year in the 2011-12 season. In the 2014-15 season, he was awarded Hammer of the Year (Player of the Year). However his most notable success was being part of the West Ham side who lifted the UEFA Conference League trophy in 2023.
He also captained the East London club on numerous occasions during his 11-year tenure.
In 2016, Cresswell received his first international call-up to the England squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He went on to make his debut against Spain at Wembley Stadium. He was capped three times for his country.
Cresswell will join up with Mark Robins’ side this week, who are currently in Spain for their training camp.
“I’m excited for the season ahead”
After signing, Cresswell spoke to the Stoke City website:
“I’m really appreciative of the opportunity to join Stoke City and I’m excited for the season ahead.
“Having spoken with Jon [Walters], the gaffer and Nev [Paul Nevin], who I worked with at West Ham United, it was evident how passionate they are about the project here, while their determination to bring success to the Club was clear.
“I have been fortunate to work in environments of high standards and professionalism throughout my career.
“That’s something which is ingrained in me, and I will deliver every day.
“I’m now looking forward to meeting the lads and getting straight to work in Spain this week.”
Cresswell becomes City’s fourth summer signing as he joins Sobra Thomas, Maksym Talovierov and former West Ham striker Divin Mubama at the Championship club.
Discussion about this post