MX23RW : Friday, October 23 08:52:59| >> :120:63961:63961:

West Brom complete Filip Krovinovic loan return from Benfica

West Brom complete Filip Krovinovic loan return from Benfica
© Reuters
The midfielder helped steer Slaven Bilic's men to Premier League promotion last term, making 43 Sky Bet Championship appearances.

Filip Krovinovic has completed his long-awaited return to West Brom for a second season-long loan with the Bagggies.

The Benfica midfielder helped steer Slaven Bilic's men to Premier League promotion last term, making 43 Sky Bet Championship appearances.

Now the Croatia Under-21 international is back on hand at The Hawthorns, after West Brom completed protracted negotiations with his Portuguese parent club.

The Baggies got off the mark for points in their third match back in the Premier League, scrambling a chaotic 3-3 draw with Chelsea on Saturday.

Krovinovic likened his return to a family reunion, saying: "It's an absolute pleasure to be back with family.

"I know it took a little bit of time but now I'm here and that's the most important thing.

"I said to my brother that it's like coming back to school after the summer holidays. To see your friends is one of the best things in your life."

West Brom boss Bilic had heaped pressure on the club's board to complete a new loan deal for Krovinovic, insisting he would be "extremely disappointed" should the 25-year-old not make a return.

Last week Bilic expected Krovinovic to be training with West Brom after the Chelsea clash, and that prediction has now been vindicated.

Speaking on Thursday, Bilic said: "It will happen in the next couple of days.

"I've been told that he should be here by the weekend, the end of the weekend, so I'm expecting him to start training with us after we play Chelsea.

"So it will be done. I got assured from the director that he will come and as I said, he's there, but until it's over the line we can't guarantee that, but it looks like everything is sorted with Benfica."

ID:416388:

Click here for more stories about Filip Krovinovic

Click here for more stories about West Bromwich Albion

Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Leicester City's Jamie Vardy claims the match ball after his hat-trick against Manchester City on September 27, 2020
Read Next:
PL Team of the Week - Vardy, Grealish, Meslier
>
Latest Sports Video
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
Read more about Filip Krovinovic Football