Albion break the bank for Long

09 August 2011 22:09
Striker becomes record signing Albion have completed the signing of Reading striker Shane Long for an undisclosed fee – believed to eclipse the £4.7 million the Baggies paid for Borja Valero. The 24-year-old Republic of Ireland ace has signed a three-year contract, plus a year in the club’s favour, after passing a medical at The Hawthorns. He becomes Albion’s sixth signing of the summer and is expected to make his debut on Sunday against Manchester United (KO 4pm) after impressing for the Royals last season. Long averaged almost a goal a game last season for Reading as the front man found the net an impressive 28 times – including a strike against the Baggies in the FA Cup. Baggies boss Roy Hodgson made no secret of his desire to sign Long as the striker was quickly pinpointed as his number one transfer target. "Shane is one of the most talented young strikers outside of the Premier League and I'm delighted to welcome him to the club,” said Hodgson. "He is a goalscorer and a hard-working player who has a very good attitude to the game. The great thing about him is that even though he is still only 24, he has six years' worth of experience of Premier League, Championship and international football and has margin for improvement in his game. "We now hope to see him fulfil that potential over the next few years at West Bromwich Albion. "Many other clubs have shown an interest in Shane and it is great that we have managed to acquire his services. "With the signing of Shane, our squad is looking close to being complete." Are you pleased the Baggies have finally signed Shane Long? Have your say at Baggies Banter here.

Source: FOOTYMAD