Anelka Joins West Bromwich Albion On A 2 Year Deal

Anelka signs a 2 year contract at the Hawthorns as he returns to England.

Nicholas Anelka has returned to the Premier League after his proposed move to West Bromwich Albion was completed earlier today on a free transfer. The former Chelsea, Real Madrid and PSG striker has passed his medical and completes a 2 year deal at the Hawthorns which sees him at the club until 2015.

Anelka left England in 2011 as he felt that it was time for a change due to ex-Chelsea boss Andre Villas Boas not having the French man in his plans. This led Anelka to join Chinese outfit Shanghai Shenhua in which he was given the role as a player manager with a reported salary of 170,ooo pounds a week. It was also confirmed that his former striking partner Didier Drogba would also join the Chinese club as they both experienced short spells which ended early due to lifestyle purposes. This saw the former French international leave China for Italian champions Juventus in which he experienced a 5 month loan in Turin.

After the capture of Carlos Tevez, Juventus decided to drop their interest in bringing Anelka back to the club which saw West Brom enquire about the Frenchman’s services. The 34 year old has had previous spells with English clubs such as Bolton, Manchester City, Liverpool and not forgetting his memorable youth career with Arsenal. Anelka boasts a Premier League total of 460 appearances netting 159 times. He also boasts a fantastic award cabinet as the striker has 2 Premier League titles, 2 FA cups, 1 Champions League, 1 Serie A title, 1 European UEFA football championship and 3 PFA awards. Anelka is certantly a proven top class goalscorer but the only thing that would worry West Brom fans is his high wages and mature age. Never the less an exciting signing for the Baggies as Steve Clarke adds a touch of world class to the squad. Definitely a signing to keep an eye out for in the new campaign as he just may raise a few eyebrows.