Two Stoke City old boys have joined new clubs as they enter the twilight stages of their playing careers. Luton Town have signed defender Erik Pieters on a short-term deal, while Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has joined MLS club New York Red Bulls.

Pieters, 36, who trained with the Hatters last summer following his release by West Brom, also played for Burnley after his exit from the bet365 Stadium in 2019. In all, he played 190 times for the Potters over a six-year period after signing from PSV Eindhoven in 2013, scoring three goals.

The Dutch international took to Instagram to say: "Excited to announce that I've signed a short-term deal with Luton Town. Can't wait to contribute and give it everything I've got. Let's do this..."

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Luton boss Rob Edwards added on the club’s official website: “Erik is a hugely experienced left-sided defender who we know well after training with us in the summer. With one or two of the issues that we’ve got at the moment, we feel that that Erik will be able to help us during this period.

“It may not necessarily be with game time. It could mean help with training and if he gets an opportunity then it’s down to him. He’s a good guy, very experienced and can bring balance to our defensive options during this difficult period with the injuries we currently have.”

Choupo-Moting, 35, was a free agent after playing for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

The German-born Cameroon international scored five goals in 30 appearances for the Potters in his one season with the club. He moved on to Ligue 1 powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain after his exit from the bet365 Stadium, and was a member of their team beaten by Bayern in the 2020 Champions League final.

On joining the German champions, in October 2020, he went on to win the Bundesliga title three times, and the FIFA Club World Cup - achievements few Stoke fans believed he was capable of.

Choupo-Moting is under contract with New York Red Bulls until 2026 with an option for 2027. The club's head of sport, Jochen Schneider, said: "We are excited to add a player of Maxim’s calibre to our roster. He is a great player, a winner and his experience in Europe’s top leagues will be greatly important to our club in 2025 and beyond."