West Bromwich Albion have tonight confirmed that Bolton central defender Abdoulaye Meite has signed for the Baggies.
Meite is a much needed addition to a backline that has been creaking in pre season. The weakness of the central defence was highlighted when Neil Clement was forced to withdraw from play after 16 minutes against Real Mallorca to be replaced by Pele, who was the only available option.
Our new signing is an Ivory Coast international standing 6’1′ tall. He joined Bolton in 2006 and was instrumental in guiding them to European qualification in 2007/2008.
Last season Meite had a well documented falling out with Gary Megson,(well who doesn’t?)and it was only a matter of time before he would be allowed to leave.
West Brom beat off competition from Hull City to gain the signature of Meite in an initial £2m deal. This could rise to £2.5m depending on performance.
Hopefully, the news of Meite’s signing will appease the fans that have accused the club and in particular Jeremy Peace of not backing manager Tony Mowbray.
As I understand it Jeremy Peace and Tony Mowbray have an excellent working relationship and the Chairman is determined to back his Manager to the hilt. Rather than the Chairman holding up transfers it is Tony Mowbray himself that refuses to pay over the odds for players. However, one or two more signings are expected before the season opener against Arsenal on Saturday with further signings to be made before the month is out.
The Baggies are now keen to recruit another centre half, right midfielder, central midfielder and striker before the transfer window closes. It remains to be seen whether the club will complete the necessary signings but it won’t be for the want of trying. Everybody involved with player recruitment is working around the clock.
All that remains to be said is good luck Abdoulaye and welcome to the Hawthorns.
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