West Bromwich Albion F.C. have completed the club-record signing of Salomon Rondon from Russian Premier League champions Zenit St Petersburg for a fee in the region of £12 million.
The Venezuela international, 25, has penned a four-year deal at The Hawthorns, becoming the Baggies fifth summer recruit following the arrivals of James Chester, James McClean, Rickie Lambert and Serge Gnabry.
Rondon will be available to face Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday.
“I am very happy to be here,” Rondon said. “This is a new opportunity in my career. I can’t wait to be with the other players and to play.
“The club showed a lot of interest in me, that’s what is important for a player, what you take into account, and there are expectations of me.”
Manager Tony Pulis added: “He’s got a fantastic goalscoring record in some of the top leagues in Europe and for his country.
“He’s 25 years of age and still to fulfil his full potential.
“We hope he hits the ground running of course but understand it might take him time to settle. I’m sure our fans will help him and get behind him.
“But we feel with age on his side and the prices English clubs are asking for their players, it’s a deal worth doing.
“He comes highly recommended. I have spoken to Manuel (Pellegrini) and AVB (Andre Villas-Boas), who have worked with him, and they were full of praise for the lad. We are looking forward to working with him.”
Rondon scored 13 goals in 26 league appearances for Zenit last season.
Watford (7/5); West Brom (23/10); Draw (23/10)
Shaqiri completes Stoke medical
Internazionale Milano winger Xherdan Shaqiri has reportedly agreed personal terms and completed a medical at Stoke City, Sky Sports understands.
The Switzerland international, who joined the Nerazzurri from Bayern Munich in January, is expected to complete a £12 million move to the Britannia Stadium this week.
“I hope we can conclude something, and then we’ll be delighted, but nothing is certain in the transfer market when the window is open,” Potters’ manager Mark Hughes said.
“We’ve been close in the past and haven’t been able to conclude deals. We’ll have to wait and see.
“We are not allowed that conversation. We’ll just have to wait and see. Sometimes you can get these things done very quickly and other times it takes a little bit longer.”
Shaqiri tallied two goals and two assists in 18 appearances in all competitions for Internazionale last season.
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