Greek international Georgios Samaras has signed a two-year deal at The Hawthorns after agreeing a free transfer from Scottish champions Celtic.
The 29-year-old will wear the No.30 jersey after passing a medical at the Baggies.
Samaras, who can play either as a striker or in a wide position, returns to the Premier League after spending the last 5 seasons in Scotland.
The 6ft 4in forward played for his country in this summer’s World Cup finals and scored the last minute penalty against the Ivory Coast to send Greece into the second round.
“We’ve signed a player with vast experience and I’m delighted to welcome Sami to the club,” said Alan Irvine.
“He has played a lot of football at the highest levels – Champions League, European Championships and World Cups - and the feedback we’ve got on him, from people like Neil Lennon, states he thrives on the big occasion.
“He will certainly play in plenty of those in the Barclays Premier League.
“Georgios has played in big games for a Celtic team that have often had a lot of the ball and have had to work hard to break the opposition down.
“But he has also shown another side to his game in other matches when they haven’t seen as much of the ball.”
Albion beat off a host of clubs to secure the signing of the former Manchester City man – including Saturday’s opponents Southampton.
Samaras claimed it was an easy decision to join the Baggies and has no concerns over his fitness after missing pre-season training.
“I feel really good,” he said.
“The people around the club are kind and I feel like it is a family club.
“It was an easy decision for me to come here.
“I had a really nice chat with the gaffer; he’s Scottish so we spoke our language!
“In the end I believe this is a new challenge in my career and I’m ready to take it.
“I want to help this team do well in the Premier League.
“It is the best league in the world and I’m really proud of myself to be here.
“I will try, with my team-mates, to be competitive against the best - and do our best.
“Hopefully everyone will have a good season.”
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