West Brom sign striker Salomon Rondon before Premier League opener

West Bromwich Albion, 4/1 with Coral for a top 10 finish, have announced the £12m club record signing of Venezuela international striker Jose Salomon Rondon from Andre Villas-Boas’ Zenit St Petersburg.

The 25-year-old has penned a four-year contract at The Hawthorns as the Baggies prepare for their Premier League opener against Manchester City. Rondon is expected to have a watching brief from the stands, as he was not signed in time to feature, though.

“I am very happy to be here,” Rondon told the West Midlands outfit’s official website. “This is a new opportunity in my career. I can’t wait to be with the other players and to play.

“The club showed a lot of interest in me, that’s what is important for a player, what you take into account, and there are expectations of me.”

NEW SIGNING: Albion confirm the club-record transfer of Venezuela international striker @salorondon23 #WBA #Rondon pic.twitter.com/zxhsuqBlWG

— West Bromwich Albion (@WBAFCofficial) August 10, 2015

Rondon, who also counts Malaga and Rubin Kazan among his former clubs, becomes West Brom’s fifth summer signing, following the permanent arrivals of James McClean, Rickie Lambert and James Chester, plus the loan capture of Serge Gnabry from Arsenal.

Baggies boss Tony Pulis said of his latest acquisition: “He’s got a fantastic goalscoring record in some of the top leagues in Europe and for his country. He’s 25 years of age and still to fulfil his full potential.

“We hope he hits the ground running of course but understand it might take him time to settle. I’m sure our fans will help him and get behind him. But we feel with age on his side and the prices English clubs are asking for their players, it’s a deal worth doing.

“He comes highly recommended. I have spoken to Manuel [Pellegrini] and AVB, who have worked with him, and they were full of praise for the lad. We are looking forward to working with him.”

It remains to be seen whether Rondon is a replacement for, or someone to play alongside, Saido Berahino, who has been strongly linked with leaving West Brom for Tottenham to reprise his England Under-21 strike partnership with Harry Kane.