Slaven Bilic continues to be active in the transfer market, looking to improve his West Brom squad and the latest player close to a move to the club is former Chelsea star, Branislav Ivanovic.
A story from Daily Mail today claims that West Brom have shown an interest in the Serbian defender, who is also ready to take a pay cut to return to London.
He is a free-agent after leaving Zenit St Petersburg in the summer but will he be a good addition for West Brom?
Branislav Ivanovic’s Career
The 36-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge in 2008 and spent nine long years at the club, where he was usually a regular in the backline for the Blues.
In his time in London, Ivanovic won 3 league titles, 3 FA Cups, one Champions League and one Europa League title and was an integral part of the club’s most successful decade.
He has now spent four seasons in Russia, where he captained his side to two league titles and even at 36, was a regular in the first team for Zenit.
He started 25 league games and all six UCL games last season and will be a decent asset for West Brom, even at his age.
Good move for West Brom?
A versatile defender who can deputize at right-back to decent effect, Branislav Ivanovic is a strong and dominant presence at the back. He is calm and composed in his approach and is usually productive with his passing and hold up play.
He is an excellent reader of the game, is smart with his tackling and can soak up pressure for long periods, marshalling the backline to good effect even against the trickiest of attacks.
The Serbian also rarely gives away fouls at the back and though he may not be able to play as a full-back at 36, he surely will be a real asset for West Brom.
Bilic used the likes of Semi Ajayi and Kyle Bartley as first choice centre-backs last season while Ahmed Hegazi was a decent backup for the first team. However, the signing of Cedric Kipre will mean that one of Ajayi or Bartley will have to drop to the bench.
But these first-team options should have no impact on Ivanovic’s move to Hawthorns as the Serbian star will not be a regular in the first team. Rather, he will come into the squad at West Brom as the most experienced defender and can make a difference in the dressing room.
His previous experience in England will allow him to make a difference when required, so having a player of his calibre in the squad will only be an asset for the Baggies.
As a free agent, he is definitely worth the risk but do you think West Brom need to add another defender to their ranks for the new season?