Ben Chilwell in action for Chelsea
Ben ChilwellImago

Ben Chilwell and others react to latest West Brom transfer announcement

Dan Lewis

Assistant Editor AUTHORITY Senior editor and writer responsible for daily news flow, editorial standards, and active contribution across the site network. FOCUS Editorial oversight, newsroom workflow, verified reporting, and original content. THE BRIEF Former Sports Mole correspondent Daniel manages the network’s daily output, working between reporters and experts to ensure accuracy and speed. As a senior contributor, he also writes and publishes original content across the network.

Published on

Ben Chilwell was among those to react as Rabby Nzingoula sent an emotional message after officially joining West Brom.

Albion confirmed the signing of the defensive midfielder on Tuesday in a move that came somewhat out of the blue.

Nzingoula is aged just 20 but already has 57 senior appearances to his name.

That includes 35 games played in Ligue 1 for Strasbourg, while also playing regularly in 2.Bundesliga on loan with Nurnberg last season.

He follows Barney Stewart, Jimmy-Jay Morgan, Matt Ingram, Carter Pinnington, Conor Townsend, Nolan Galves and Felix Horn Myhre in joining West Brom so far this summer.

And Nzingoula has received plenty of messages of goodwill following his move.

Rabby Nzingoula grateful to Strasbourg after West Brom move

Nzingoula joined Strasbourg's youth ranks in 2022 at the age of 16 and made his senior debut two years later.

The France Under-20s international still had another year to run on his deal with the Ligue 1 side.

However, he has opted to join West Brom for an undisclosed fee to provide James Morrison with another option in the middle of the park.

In a message posted on Instagram on Tuesday, Nzingoula thanked Strasbourg for all their support during his time with the club.

"It's difficult to summarise in a few words what this club means to me," he wrote. "In 2022, when I had completely lost hope of ever playing football again, this club was the only one to believe in me and give me a chance.

"These four years have been filled with highs and lows, doubts, hard work, sacrifices, but above all, encounters and memories that I will cherish forever.

"I want to thank the physiotherapists and doctors who supported me and were always there for me during the difficult times. Thank you also to all the coaches I've had the privilege of working with over these years, for their trust, their advice, and everything they've shared with me.

"And above all, a special thought goes out to all the unsung heroes. Those we don't see as often, but who give so much every day so that we can have the best possible conditions.

"The groundskeepers, the academic support staff, the club employees, and everyone who works tirelessly behind the scenes.

"A huge thank you to everyone, Strasbourg will forever hold a special place in my heart."

The emotional farewell message was commented on by Strasbourg full-back Ben Chilwell, formerly of Chelsea, as he wrote: "Igoooo".

Former Rangers winger Rabbi Matondo posted three love heart emojis.

Ismael Doucoure, meanwhile, wrote the word "Nnzing" in capitals, along with a crying face emoji.

With Nzingoula now through the door with less than a week to go until the new Championship season begins, what could be next for Albion?

Ben Chilwell in action for Chelsea
What Rabby Nzingoula’s arrival now means for West Brom ahead of Norwich opener

Where do West Brom turn next after Nzingoula transfer?

Morrison will be delighted with the Baggies' business up until this point.

After losing some experienced players at the end of last season, replacements have been sought across the field.

It may be that Morrison eases Nzingoula into the side, but if he is deemed ready then there is no reason why he should not start against Norwich City this weekend.

West Brom still have a few weeks to conduct transfer business, with another forward likely wanted.

More specifically, a winger is likely to be next on the agenda for the Baggies.

For now, Morrison has a strong enough squad to work with.

But Albion fans will have their fingers crossed that at least one more new face will arrive before the window closes.

www.westbromnews.co.uk