West Bromwich Albion have completed the signing of Benfica forward Chris Willock.
The 21-year-old scored 11 goals and provided seven assists for Benfica B in the Portuguese second tier last season.
The Baggies have agreed a season-long loan for Willock, with options for both clubs to review the agreement in January.
Willock was linked with a move away from the Portuguese club at the start of the summer, with West Brom, QPR, Norwich City, and Hull City all interested, but the Baggies have now won the race for the player.
Sporting and technical director Luke Dowling told the club website: "We’ve got a very good deal to bring him here for the season and Chris (Willock) is excited at the opportunity.
"He’s been looking to get back over here and Slaven (Bilic) enjoys working with and developing youngsters. It will be a brilliant shop window for him. He’s an exciting forward player with the capacity to work in the wide or central areas.”
The Englishman developed through the Arsenal academy, making just two appearances for the senior side before joining Benfica in July 2017.
West Brom have been busy already on transfer deadline day, adding West Ham United winger Grady Diangana and Southampton striker Charlie Austin.
Bilic made a winning start to his reign at West Brom on the weekend, beating Nottingham Forest 2-1.
The Baggies face Millwall at the Hawthorns in their second Championship game of the season on Saturday.
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The Verdict
It was important that the Baggies added some attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closed to replace their joint scorers from last season, Dwight Gayle and Jay Rodriguez.
On that basis, it has been a successful day for the club, who have brought in three new forwards.
Willock looks a really exciting talent and showed last season that he is a winger who can add both goals and assists.
Bilic’s additions today have provided a real boost to the Baggies promotion hopes.