West Brom Sign Bakary Sako on Free Transfer After Release From Crystal Palace

02 October 2018 01:40

​West Bromich Albion have today completed the signing of Bakary Sako on a free transfer, after the forward was released by Crystal Palace when his contract expired. 

As announced on the ​Baggies' official website, the Malian international has signed a season-long contract with the club as they look to bounce back into the Premier League at the first time of asking. 

Sako cited the influence of boss Darren Moore as a huge factor in his decision, saying: “He played a big part. A lot of Premier League clubs wanted me but as soon as I knew Darren wanted to see me I went to see him straight away and we clicked.

“The way he manages players, the way he talks, he’s passionate and I love that, that’s why I came here.”

Moore highlighted the 30-year-old's versatility in attack as something that can be a key feature of Albion's forward play this season. 

The ​Baggies boss added: "He brings great experience and adds greatly to our goal threat across a range of positions. We’re delighted to get him. He brings competition to the group and a know-how of this division. 

Crystal Palace v Watford - Premier League

"He’s been a credit to himself while he’s been training with us and I can vouch for the fact that the way he has committed to us has been exceptional.”

Sako made his name at Albion's arch rivals ​Wolves after arriving from St Etienne, before joining ​Crystal Palace

He has since made 174 appearances in English football, netting 46 goals across six seasons. 

Source: 90min