New West Bromwich Albion signing Matt Clarke has pledged he will give his "all to help Albion achieve success this season" after joining on a season-long loan from Brighton.

Albion announced last night that the central defender had made the move from the Premier League club, becoming Valerien Ismael's second signing since his appointment earlier this summer after Alex Mowatt followed him from Barnsley on a free transfer.

Clarke has spent the past two seasons on loan at Derby County and having proven his quality as Championship defender, looks likely to challenge Semi Ajayi and Kyle Bartley for a starting place in 2021/22.

Following their relegation from the Premier League last season, the Baggies' target this term will be to bounce straight back up to the top flight and it appears the 24-year-old is determined to help them do that.

In his first words as a West Brom player, Clarke made a strong claim about what convinced him to join the West Midlands club and what his target was this term.

Speaking to the Albion website, he said: "I’m really excited by the challenge.

“As a player, you play football to achieve success.

“This is a club which is looking to bounce straight back to the Premier League and has been promoted from this division plenty of times before.

“I want to give my all to help Albion achieve success this season.”

The Verdict

This is a strong claim from Clarke but it's one that you feel West Brom fans should absolutely love.

They'll no doubt be keen to get back to the Premier League at the first time of asking and it seems the 24-year-old is desperate to help them do that.

With two years left on his deal with Brighton and Graham Potter having of an embarrassment of riches at centre-back in his squad, the defender will be hungry to prove his quality to his parent club.

That said, if Clarke has a strong season and helps the Baggies secure promotion it would not be a surprise to see them sign him permanently next summer.