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Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images
Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images

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“Brilliant signing”, “Beast”, “Unexpected” – These West Brom fans welcome new arrival Al-Habsi

Will Jones
Will Jones

West Bromwich Albion have the signing of goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi. The 37-year-old has signed a one-year deal at the Hawthorns and has arrived on a free transfer. The veteran shot-stopper last represented Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal until his contract expired earlier in the summer. 

The 126-cap Oman international has previously represented Bolton, Wigan, Brighton and Reading in English football. He has vast amounts of experience and has made over 100 appearances in both the Premier League and the Championship.

He is unlikely to get much game time for the Baggies. However, Al-Habsi will provide reliable back up and competition for Sam Johnstone and Jonathan Bond. Should he be called upon though, Al-Habsi will be up for the challenge.

His arrival marks West Brom’s tenth signing of the summer. Slaven Bilic has certainly been busy. He will now be desperate to guide his new-look West Brom squad to automatic promotion back to the Premier League. 

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

As well as looking for reliable back up from Al-Habsi, Bilic will also hope that the goalkeeper’s experience can see him become an influential figure in the dressing room. As the Baggies go in chase of promotion, they’ll need all the leaders they can get in their squad. Al-Habsi could play a big role in this sense. 

Al-Habsi looks like a smart signing for West Brom. Following the club’s announcement of his arrival, plenty of Baggies fans took to Twitter to welcome the ‘keeper to the club.