Kipré arrives at Albion

Albion have signed defender Cédric Kipré from Wigan Athletic on a four-year deal

Albion have signed defender Cédric Kipré from Wigan Athletic on a four-year deal.

The 23-year-old towering centre-back joins the Baggies after impressing at the DW Stadium last season, where he helped keep 12 clean sheets in 36 Sky Bet Championship appearances - also scoring twice.

Kipré, who was born in Paris but has represented Ivory Coast at youth level and been part of the senior squad, came through at PSG before spells with Leicester City and Motherwell.

He will add further competition for places in the heart of Albion’s back-line and Sporting & Technical Director Luke Dowling is pleased to secure his signature and looks forward to seeing him develop as a top-flight player.

“I believe we’ve signed someone in Cédric who has got the potential to really establish himself as a Premier League defender,” said Luke.

“He was part of a Wigan team that, from the turn of the year, produced results which would have placed them in the Championship’s top three and Cédric was a very impressive figure in that run of form.

“He has been on our target list for some time. We are delighted to get the deal done and look forward to watching him progress.”

Cédric Kipré alongside Luke Dowling

And Cédric can’t wait to begin his “dream” move and learn from Head Coach Slaven Bilić in the Premier League this year.

“I heard of the interest a month ago and the head of recruitment spoke to me and I had to be patient with it but finally I’m here - I am happy,” said Albion’s newest recruit.

“It’s a big Club and the chance to play in the Premier League was what attracted me. My goal was to play in this division by the age of 25 and today I’m 23 so I’m grateful for the chance.

“I’m expecting to learn a lot from Slaven because he played in the same position and he can teach me areas to progress.”

Welcome to The Hawthorns, Cédric!