West Brom want Branislav Ivanovic at the heart of the defence
Branislav Ivanovic will play at centre-back for Albion once he has completed his move to the club, head coach Slaven Bilic has confirmed.
The 36-year-old, who is a free agent after leaving Zenit Saint Petersburg, underwent a medical with the Baggies today.
Speaking at his press conference ahead of Sunday’s Premier League opener against Leicester, head coach Slaven Bilic said he expected the Serbian’s signing to be announced within hours.
But the Express & Star understands a delay with some of the paperwork means Ivanovic’s arrival will now be confirmed over the weekend or on Monday.
In what has been an incredible career, Ivanovic shifted between centre-back and right-back for Chelsea – where he won three Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League.
But he played at the heart of the defence during his time in Russia. And that is where Bilic plans to deploy him.
“We all know Ivanovic – his career,” Bilic said.
“But I also know Ivanovic from the last couple of years because of my many friends when I worked in Russia.
“I know how he plays. He was captain of Zenit. We’re not talking about someone who we’ve had to do homework on from his time at Chelsea – that was ages ago – but Ivanovic played really, really good for Zenit.
“He played yesterday. I know his character.
“For me, at Chelsea he played right-back, up and down. Now, we’re getting Ivanovic as a centre-back.
“We’re getting him for his experience, for his quality and the influence he’ll have on the pitch and in the dressing room.
“Not only centre-backs, not only defenders, everyone will have the opportunity to learn from him.
“He ticked all the boxes for us. I’m delighted to be signing him. He will be a great addition for us, for our team that is new in the Premier League.”
