Branislav Ivanovic is about to return to the Premier League. West Bromwich Albion will strengthen itself in the short term with the 36-year-old center, manager Slaven Bilic said during the press conference on Friday afternoon in the run-up to next Saturday’s home game against Leicester City. It may take a few hours before Ivanovic is handed over to the PhD student.

‘It’s very close. Of course, he will be an excellent addition to our team, which is new to the Premier League. He is fit and has done everything during his career, so that would be fantastic. I hope it will be completed soon, possibly within a few hours. Not only in terms of experience, he is an asset but also in quality. Quality is of course the most important reason to bring in players, our team must benefit from that, ”he said. Purpose of Bilic during the press conference.

“He’s going to have a huge impact. Not just on the defenders, but on the whole group. That’s why he was at the top of our wish list. I hope it can be completed today “, the coach emphasizes. Ivanovic was released this summer after his contract with Zenit St. Petersburg has expired. The experienced referee and center-back was picked up at Chelsea in the winter of 2017 and is experiencing a successful period in Russia with, among other things, two league titles.

It looked like a month ago Ivanovic would move to Everton, who were selected over the Red Star Belgrade. ‘I’ll probably continue my career at Everton. I got a good offer, ‘said the Serb 105 times, who played for England in England between 2008 and 2017, and with the blues won the Champions League, the Europa League and the Premier League three times. Ivanovic is indeed returning to the Premier League, not just at Everton, but at West Bromwich Albion, who were promoted last season.