DONE DEAL: Stoke City sign up England youth captain on long-term deal
DONE DEAL: Stoke City sign up England youth captain on long-term deal
Tommy Simkin has set his sights on eventually becoming Stoke City number one after signing a new long-term contract.
The 20-year-old England youth captain is starring on loan in Walsall’s League Two title challenge at the moment and is the youngest goalkeeper to make 30 or more appearances this season in the top four divisions.
He was brought back to Clayton Wood to train with Mark Robins last month and Stoke are keeping a close eye on his progress, handing him a new three-and-a-half year deal.
“I love being a Stoke City player and my family love me being a part of the club, I see myself playing here regularly in the future,” he said.
“I have played consistently this season at Walsall which has given me consistency in my game. My aim is to be Stoke City’s number one in the future and every game I play on loan gives me more experience and takes me closer to that goal.
“In the immediate future, I am focused on playing well and helping Walsall to hopefully achieve promotion, from there I look forward to returning to Clayton Wood in the summer and working with the manager, his staff, Darren Behcet and the goalkeeping group.”
Simkin was a junior British karate champion and was converted from outfield player to keeper while he was with Stoke under-14s. He made his first team debut on the day after his 19th birthday back in December 2023 when there was an injury crisis under Alex Neil.
Big steps forward have come thanks to loans at Hanley Town, AFC Fylde, Solihull Moors, Forest Green Rovers and now hometown club Walsall, who sit seven points clear at the top of League Two – with Nathan Lowe also having shone on loan there this season before being summoned back for Stoke duties and midfielder Darius Lipsiuc joining in January.
Simkin has also led out England under-20s – who were managed by Paul Nevin, now Robins’ assistant – for wins over Italy, Germany and Czechia in three of his six caps.
Stoke sporting director Jon Walters said: “We see Tommy as a huge part of our future and the direction we want to go in. As with all young players, there is plenty of development ahead, however, he is intuitive, eager to improve and constantly seeks feedback from his coaches.
“To captain England is a responsibility which should not be underestimated and speaks volumes about his character and the trust his coaches have in him at international and club level. We wish him the very best for the rest of the campaign and hope he enjoys a successful end to the season with Walsall and England.”
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