Chinese whizzkid joins Albion

Last updated : 03 July 2017 By Wba-mad Editor

Albion have made their second signing of the summer - but Baggies fans will have to wait at least two years to see Zhang Yuning in action! 

The 20-year-old is seen as one of China's most promising young players and has already won nine caps for his country, scoring once. 

Zhang joins on a three-year deal from Vitesse but has been loaned to Werder Bremen for two years after failing to obtain a work visa. 

"Zhang will get the chance to further develop at Bremen, with whom we have an excellent relationship," said Richard Garlick, Director of Football Administration.

"He will be challenging for a place in a top European league and we will be monitoring his progress before reassessing his prospects at the end of the loan period. 

"There is no doubt he has a lot of qualities which Bremen are well-positioned to grow and develop.

"His progress will be the subject of great interest here at Albion but also in Germany and in China.

"There is no doubt that there are commercial benefits that come with the deal but the primary target is to help develop one of the best young players in a booming corner of the football industry."

The signing is one of Baggies owner Guochuan Lai moves to bring closer links between his homeland and the club. Only last week it was announced Lai's former company Palm would be building a series of 'West Bromwich Albion Soccer Towns' in a new eco-friendly development across certain parts of China. 

What do you make of Albion's signing of Zhang? Have your say at Baggies Banter