Sebastien Pocognoli wants to reignite career with third stint at Standard Liege
Forgotten Albion full-back Sebastien Pocognoli is hoping to re-ignite his career by returning to Standard Liege for a third stint.
The 29-year-old left back will be allowed to leave the Baggies on a free transfer this summer when his contract runs out.
He never managed to break into Tony Pulis’s plans at The Hawthorns and spent last season on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion.
Although he helped the Seagulls clinch their long-awaited promotion to the Premier League, Chris Hughton has not yet decided to offer him a permanent position at the club.
Pocognoli came through Standard’s youth ranks before leaving at the age of 15 to join Belgian rivals Genk.
He returned to Liege in 2013, before moving to German club Hannover 96, who Albion signed him from in 2014 for £1.5million.
“My club, West Bromwich, promised me they will let me go free,” said Pocognoli, who is nearing the end of his three-year deal. “I can go to another club this summer.
“I am 30 (on August 1), but it will be for football reasons. Other aspects are also important.
“I know I’m associated with Standard. It all adds up: I will soon be a free agent, they need new blood and I’m an ex-player of Les Rouches. At the moment there is no contact, but the board is looking for players who are interested in their project.
“If I did go to Standard, I am one of the leaders in the dressing rooms anyway – not by shouting loudly, by setting a good example.
“I certainly would be an example for the young players.”
