News from the bet365 Stadium as former Manchester City youth centre-back Freddie Anderson signs three-year deal with Stoke

Freddie Anderson has marked his 17th birthday by signing his first professional contract with Stoke City.

The centre-back, who turned 17 on Monday and is the son of former England international Viv Anderson, joined the Potters this summer following a nine-year stay with Manchester City. He has been catching the eye for the under-18s under Dave Hibbert and Ryan Shawcross, and made his debut for the under-21s last month.

He has penned a three-year deal, and it is the potential pathway to first team football at the bet365 Stadium which was a key factor in attracting the defender to Stoke amid serious interest elsewhere.

Academy director Gareth Owen said: “We are really proud to see Freddie sign his first professional contract with us. We had to compete with several clubs to sign Freddie this summer, so the fact both he and his family believe his future is best placed at Stoke City is testament to our recruitment team and the opportunities that Freddie and his family can see here. We look forward to seeing his development over the coming weeks, months and years.”

Anderson scored his first goal for Stoke’s under-18s in a 2-1 win over Everton in September and he has been excited about his first few months at Clayton Wood.

He said: “It was great to celebrate my 17th birthday with all my family and to sign my first professional contract at Stoke City topped it off. I have settled into life here really well – it is such a family orientated club, which has helped me from day one.

“Ever since I arrived, I have been challenged with my football but also supported by everyone in the building. It’s the perfect place to progress my career and I am very excited for what is to come in the future.”

Sol Sidibe, aged 16, and 18-year-old Nathan Lowe have made their first team breakthroughs at Stoke and won England youth caps already this season while 18-year-old keeper Tommy Simkin, on loan at Solihull Moors, has also spent time with England.

Ali Ali, an 18-year-old winger, won a senior cap for Iraq earlier this month and 18-year-old striker Emre Tezgel, who has starred for England through the age groups, is making his way back to fitness following quad injuries. Jaden Dixon, a 16-year-old defender signed in the summer from Tottenham, also made the first team bench for a league match against Leicester.