Nigerian completes switch

Last updated : 20 August 2010 By Wba-mad Editor

Osazemwinde ‘Peter’ Odemwingie has finally completed his switch to The Hawthorns for an undisclosed fee from Lokomotiv Moscow.

The versatile forward passed his medical and agree terms last Friday but had to wait to receive his work permit from the British Embassy in Moscow. 

Odemwingie has signed a two-year deal, plus a year in the club’s favour.

He’s expected to go straight into Albion’s squad to face Sunderland tomorrow (KO 3pm).

The Nigerian international featured twice in the World Cup for his country against Greece and Argentina this summer. Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo welcomed the forward to the club and expressed his delight at his arrival.

"I'm delighted to welcome Peter to the club,” said the Italian.

"He is an exciting international, has a great CV and I'm sure seeing a player of his calibre coming into the club will give everyone a lift.

"Peter has got great pace, is two-footed, scores goals and has good experience at a very high level.

"We've brought him in as a striker but he can also play out wide, which gives me options.

"For example, when he was in France, he played very much up front on his own whereas for Nigeria he's played wide and sometimes in a central role.

"His last game was only last midweek for Nigeria and the Russian league is already underway so he should be in good shape for the challenge ahead."