Albion have made their third signing of the summer after Spanish international Pablo Ibanez joined from Atletico Madrid on a free transfer. The 28-year-old central defender signed a three-year deal after being released by the current Europa League champions.
Ibanez, who played for Spain during the 2006 World Cup, brings much needed experience to the Baggies’ back-line having played in Spain’s top flight for the past seven years and in the Champions League.
The former Albacete man, who was once trailed by Real Madrid, will officially join the club on July 1st after passing a medical and agreeing terms. Ibanez becomes the club’s second signing within a week after Steven Reid also penned a deal at The Hawthorns with boss Roberto Di Matteo delighted to bring the Spanish international into his newly promoted squad.
"Pablo comes with bags of experience at the highest level, having been a regular fixture in La Liga for the past seven seasons," the Italian said.
"He's also played in the Champions League for Atletico and the World Cup for Spain, so the Premier League should hold no fears for him.
"Pablo has a great pedigree and, at 28, is at a good age.
"He will bring a physical presence to our defence and his arrival will create real competition at centre-half."