Glen Johnson joins Stoke City after leaving Liverpool

Stoke City have confirmed the signing of England international Glen Johnson on a free transfer following his departure from Liverpool at the end of the season.

The 30-year-old has signed an initial two-year contract with a view to a third after being released by the Reds having made just 15 Premier League starts last season.

Johnson became surplus to requirements as manager Brendan Rodgers tinkered with his Liverpool formation last term, while he has also fallen out of favour with England boss Roy Hodgson.

"Very happy to have signed for a good club going in the right direction! Good times," Johnson wrote on Twitter.

Manager Mark Hughes said of Johnson, who represents Stoke's sixth signing of the summer: "Glen's record speaks for itself. He has a wealth of experience having a regular at international level for more than a decade and played the finals of the World Cup and European Championships.

"There was no shortage of clubs interested in him after he left Liverpool but he very much sees his future as a Stoke City player and we are delighted he has chosen to join us."

Currently out in the Far East ahead of their pre-season fixtures in the Barclays Asia trophy, which also includes Arsenal and Everton, Johnson is expected to join up with his new teammates ahead of preparations for the new season, which begins against former club Liverpool.

Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes added: "Glen will be a fantastic addition to our squad. He commanded a huge transfer fee when he left Portsmouth for Liverpool but dealt with the pressure that comes with that.

"He's a talented defender who also chips in with goals – as we discovered last season when he scored the winner against us at Anfield – and having spoken to him I know how much he's looking forward to being a Stoke player."

Johnson was one of three players released by Liverpool at the end of the season, along with Brad Jones and Steven Gerrard. Six players have departed this summer already, with Raheem Sterling expected to join them after Rodgers confirmed a deal had been agreed with Manchester City.