ContinueWest Brom have signed Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku on a season-long loan, with former Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo allowing the forward to move away from Stamford Bridge for a whole year.
The 19-year-old had been strongly linked with a move to Fulham but the Belgium international has agreed to move to the west Midlands.
The former Anderlecht player becomes manager Steve Clarke's fifth signing since being appointed head coach at the Hawthorns in June, after Roy Hodgson left for England.
"He's strong, powerful, enthusiastic and eager to learn," Clarke told BBC Sport.
Chelsea signed Lukaku from Anderlecht in August 2011 for a reported £20m, but the teenager has made just 12 senior appearances for Chelsea, and only one Premier League start. He has been playing for the Blues in pre-season, scoring twice on their American tour against the Seattle Sounders in a 4-2 victory. But it appears he hasn’t done enough to feature in the European champions plans this season.
"With the calibre of strikers Chelsea have got, he's found it difficult to break into the first team at Stamford Bridge," added Clarke.
"But he's had a season working at a top Premier League club and he now needs more minutes on the pitch.
"We're more than happy for Romelu to continue his development with us.
"I am sure he will be a big help to the squad over the course of the season."
