Erik Pieters registered with West Brom in time to feature against Birmingham City in derby clash
West Brom have registered Erik Pieters, their eighth and final signing of the summer, in time to feature against Birmingham this week, according to Express & Star.
Steve Bruce wrapped up his summer transfer business with the acquisition of 34-year-old defender Pieters on Tuesday (13 September), and the Express & Star are now reporting that the Dutchman is in contention to make West Brom’s matchday squad against Blues on Wednesday (14 September).
Following previous stints with Stoke City and Burnley, Pieters has been training with the Baggies for the last six weeks and impressed Bruce enough to earn himself a one-year deal at The Hawthorns.
Speaking on Tuesday, Bruce announced that Pieters was joining the club on a permanent basis and confirmed that he expects no more incomings until January.
“Erik has been with us for six weeks, he might have a part to play earlier because we know where he’s up to,” said Bruce.
“His fitness levels are very, very good. He’s got good experience. He’ll be a good acquisition for us.”
Invaluable experience
Things haven’t quite gone to plan for Bruce this season. While the Baggies have only tasted defeat once in the Championship this season, six draws have left the side in the bottom half of the table.
Converting those draws to wins will be at the top of the 61-year-old’s priority list, and bringing in an experienced head to the dressing room could help achieve just that.
While Pieters is undeniably heading into his twilight years, he boasts plenty of experience in English football and can help tighten up a defence that has conceded 10 goals in eight games.
Conor Townsend has been Bruce’s go-to left-back this season, but Pieters’ arrival will add some much-needed competition and depth to the Baggies’ defence.
With a West Midlands derby on the horizon, Pieters could find himself being thrown directly into the deep end. However, the veteran defender has a feisty nature about him, and he could be exactly what the side needs to give them a boost.
In other West Brom news, Steve Bruce was left exasperated by deadline day setbacks