The ex-Chelsea centre-back Branislav Ivanovic is back in England after signing for West Brom this week. The deal worth €1 million sees the Serbian join the Midlands side after three years in Russia playing for Zenit St Petersburg. His stunt at the Russian club saw him pick up two Russian Premier League titles as well as one Russian Cup.
Ivanovich, now thirty-six years-old, spent nine seasons with Chelsea between 2008 and 2017 picking up three Premier League titles, three FA Cups, a League Cup as well as Champions League and Europa League trophies.
Current West Brom manager, Slaven Bilic told the BBC; “He’s a great addition for us, a team who are newly promoted. He ticks all the boxes. He’s done everything in his career – it’s been magnificent. We’re delighted. He adds quality and experience on the pitch and off the pitch.”
West Brom lost their opening fixture to Leicester City 0-3 and now face a rejuvenated Everton away this weekend. Despite the heavy loss to Leicester there were some positives that Bilic can take from their display, especially during the first 30 minutes when they dominated play and Diangana looking particularly lively. Unfortunately, for the Baggies it was some sloppy defending that allowed Vardy to stamp his authority in the game, an issue that Bilic will hope the experience of Ivanovic will alleviate.
West Brom’s match against Everton will kick-off at 12:30GMT on Saturday. Everton are the clear favourites for this game. The odds for a West Brom win sit at roughly 5/1 with the 888Sport Bonus.
Ivanovic should be cleared to play against the Toffees this Saturday. He will then face his old club when West Brom host Chelsea the following weekend.