Chadli to give Albion more options up front

WEST Bromwich Albion confirmed the signing of winger Nacer Chadli from Tottenham this week for a club record £13 million fee.

The 27-year-old forward signed a four-year contract after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

Chadli, capped 32 times by Belgium, is understood to have cost £1 million more than the sum the Baggies paid Zenit St Petersburg for Salomon Rondon last August.

He becomes the club’s third signing of the summer transfer window after Matt Phillips and Brendan Galloway.

Head coach Tony Pulis said: “He’s a top, top player and I’m delighted we’ve got him. I said last week that these signings all had to be about players who would improve our squad – and Nacer does precisely that.”

Chadli, who wears the No.22 shirt, could make his debut at Bournemouth a week on Saturday, and hopes his versatility will offer more options to the Albion attack.

“I think my best position is out on the left or maybe under the striker,” he said. “But I can play anywhere in midfield if asked.

“This is a great challenge and I want to show my quality to the fans and to the club. I just want to help the team win as many games as possible and to show good football as well.”

Chadli scored 25 goals in 119 appearances across three seasons at White Hart Lane.

The unpredictability and the passion of the Premier League made him want to remain in English football’s top flight.

“Small teams can beat big teams on any day,” he said. “It’s a great competition and I really wanted to stay in it which is why I’ve come to Albion.

“I watched the game against Middlesbrough and it was a positive game. Albion created good chances but didn’t score.

“But I know from playing against them how very well organised they are and how tough they can be to beat. There’s a good group there.”

Albion have also completed the signing of Watford defender Allan Nyom for £3million.