West Bromwich Albion have today smashed their record transfer fee after securing the services of 23-year-old former Real Madrid midfielder, Borja Valero, for £4.7 million pounds.
Valero has signed a four-year contract, plus a further year's option in the club's favour, after passing a medical and all respected paperwork completed.
Reports suggested that Albion had first become interested in the Spanish star after he made an impressive substitute performance at The Hawthorns during the Baggies' last pre-season fixture against Mallorca. However, Tony Mowbray has been tracking the midfielder for a number of months even travelling to Mallorca to watch Valero against
The playmaker becomes
"I'm delighted to welcome Borja to the club," Mowbray beamed.
"From a footballing point of view, he possesses many of the attributes I like in a player.
"He has got great technical ability and weight of pass, has an excellent work-rate and an eye for a goal.
"Borja can link up the play from back to front and he will enhance the excellent midfield options we already possess.
"I don't think he will have any problems settling into our team, or playing in the Premier League, although he will obviously need some time to adjust to the English game.
"Bringing in new players is all about raising the quality of the squad and creating competition for places.
"Although we've paid a record fee for Borja, he has still got to earn his place in the team."