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Potters complete signing of Royals defender Sonko

29/08/2008

Premier League new boys Stoke City have completed the signing of Reading defender Ibrahima Sonko for an initial fee of £2 million.

The Royals have chosen to cash in on the 27-year-old as they feel they have enough depth to cover for his absence at centre-back in the Championship this season.

Sonko will bolster the Potters' back-line as they look to strengthen their squad for what looks likely to be a gruelling season in the top flight.

"Ibrahima Sonko has been a terrific performer in the club's recent development," Reading director of football Nick Hammond told the club's official website.

"But centre half is a particularly strong position for us in terms of both quantity and quality, especially with the continuing emergence of Alex Pearce, who adds to the experience provided by Ivar Ingimarsson, Michael Duberry and Andre Bikey.

"Bearing that in mind, we felt the timing is right for this deal and it is probably a good time for Ibrahima to seek a fresh challenge."

Reading are due to receive an additional £250,000 from the transfer, depending on performance-related criteria.

Sonko joined the club from Brentford on a free transfer in 2004, going on to make 131 starts for the Berkshire outfit and scoring eight goals.