West Brom sign striker Jay Rodriguez from Southampton in £15m deal as Tony Pulis starts summer spending
The Baggies have confirmed the signing of the 27-year-old as he targets first-team football under Tony Pulis
WEST BROM have signed striker Jay Rodriguez from Southampton in a fee believed to worth up to £15million.
The Baggies announced the signing on their website earlier today with the 27-year-old delighted at making the move to the Hawthorns.
An initial fee of £12m had been agreed, which included £3m in potential add-ons.
Newcastle had also been linked with a move for the forward.
Rodriguez, who signed for the Saints from Burnley in 2012 for about £7million, earned an England call-up in 2013 after an impressive start to life on the south coast.
Speaking of his move, he said: "After one or two 'near misses' I'm absolutely buzzing to be here.
"The most important thing for any player is to be wanted – and Tony Pulis and Albion have made it clear just how much they have wanted me to join. That's fantastic for any footballer to hear.
"I'm genuinely delighted to be joining a club of Albion's stature. The team is full of top players and it's pretty clear that they are also a great set of lads."
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Baggies chairman John Williams said of the deal: "I am delighted to welcome Jay to The Hawthorns. We tried to sign him during the previous two windows and it's third time 'deal done.' Our persistence has been rewarded.
"Jay is a proven Premier League striker, an England international and a player who will give Tony more attacking options."
Tony Pulis was keen to secure a loan deal for him last summer, but was blocked on deadline day by former Saints boss Claude Puel.
Rodriguez had grown frustrated at his lack of game time over the last year and is eager to earn first-team football.
This transfer is only the start of Pulis’ spending spree as the Welshman aims to strengthen his squad and improve on the club's tenth place finish.