Rondon joins Baggies in record deal

English Premier League side West Bromwich Albion said Monday they had signed striker Salomon Rondon for a club-record deal "worth around £12 million ($19 million, 17 million euros)".

Venezuela international Rondon has joined the Baggies on a four-year deal from Russian side Zenit St Petersburg.

The fee surpasses the £10 million that Albion paid for Brown Ideye before the start of last season.

"I am very happy to be here," Rondon told Albion's website. "This is a new opportunity in my career.

"The club showed a lot of interest in me. That's what is important for a player. There are expectations of me.

"I can't wait to be with the other players and to play."

Rondon, who has also played for Malaga and Rubin Kazan, caught the eye of Albion manager Tony Pulis after scoring 20 goals in 37 games for Zenit last season.

"He's got a fantastic goalscoring record in some of the top leagues in Europe and for his country," Pulis said.

"We hope he hits the ground running, of course, but understand it might take him time to settle.

"He's 25 years of age and still to fulfil his full potential. 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 (Manchester City manager) 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."

Albion begin their 2015/16 Premier League season at home to Manchester City later Monday.
Source: AFP