West Brom complete first signing of January with deadline day swoop - and a second could follow

West Bromwich Albion have announced the signing of Nathaniel Chalobah from Premier League side Fulham on a permanent transfer. The former Chelsea man becomes the first addition during the Carlos Corberan era, as well as the first of the entire January window.

The defensive midfielder, who can also play as a centre back, has been allowed to join the Baggies on a free transfer after Fulham let him depart his contract earlier. The 28-year-old, who earned a singular England cap in 2018, already has Premier League and Championship experience.

West Brom’s head coach, Corberan, is delighted with his new addition. He said: “Chalobah is an athletic, hardworking midfielder who has the quality required to make a real impact in the Championship. To do that he will need to consistently play to a high standard and take his opportunity when it arises.

“I believe strongly that competition for places must be intense and recruiting Chalobah to the squad will bring out the best in everyone competing for a position in the team. We will work with him closely to ensure he is ready to fight for every point between now and the end of the season.”

The player himself, who has struggled for minutes with Fulham of late with just four appearances during the first half of the current Premier League campaign, is very excited to make his switch. “I’m really happy to be here,” Chalobah told West Brom’s website.

“I heard about the club’s interest in me a little while ago so I’m glad to finally get the deal done. Ever since I heard about the interest in me I obviously started following the club’s results a lot more.

“I’ve been watching plenty of the games recently and from what I’ve seen, it’s been pretty good. I definitely see so much potential in this team. I see that there’s a talented group of players here and I just want to play a part in everything.”

West Brom and Corberan may not be done there, as the transfer deadline is not for another five-and-a-half hours at the time of publication. The Baggies have been urged by fans to sign Josh Onomah, whereas the search is still ongoing for a left winger.