Baggies set to snap up Mulumbu
Thursday 29th January 2009, 2:07PM GMT.
Albion have agreed a deal with Paris St Germain for midfielder Youssuf Mulumbu.
The 22-year-old is discussing personal terms with the Baggies after the clubs agreed on a transfer fee, reported in France to be around £230,000.
The signing could be confirmed in the next few months and it would end manager Tony Mowbray’s long search for a ‘holding’ player to supplement his midfield options.
The Baggies boss reckons the player was unlikely to compete for a first-team place straightaway and suggested he sees the 22-year-old more as one for the future.
PSG manager Paul Le Guen has earlier confirmed he would be willing to sell Mulumbu, but he played down Baggies’ hopes of a double-swoop involving France international striker Peguy Luyindula.
Albion have been keeping tabs on both players, as they weigh up their options for the crucial final days of the transfer window.
The French media have claimed PSG have accepted a bid of £230,000 from Albion for Mulumbu, with a clause giving them 20 per cent of any future transfer fee, although Albion have yet to confirm the figures.
Le Guen had refused Mulumbu permission to travel for trials with Premier League clubs, but he has since told the defensive midfielder he can leave.
The coach played down the prospect of former Lyon and Marseille striker Luyindula leaving the Parc des Princes this month. The 29-year-old has 18 months remaining on his contract.
The potential signing of Mulumbu is a further boost for the Baggies after the transfer window arrivals of loan strikers Jay Simpson and Marc Antoine-Fortune.
Business Awards
Book a Business Awards table
Join our celebrations of the region's best in business on Thursday March 22 - book your table now
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Express & Star and Shropshire Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
entertainment
All the film reviews
Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases
OUR NEW APP
Get the new E&S app
Download the Express & Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
He is highly regarded in France and hopefully will add a bit of a steel to the midfield – although I understand he has a clause in his contract which will allow him to leave for nothing if we go down!
Report abuse
dont know much about him but we need new players lets hope he can give us something different
Report abuse
Well done ToMo Quick and decisive action was required – a good price too. I hope he adds the steel we need in the middle of the Park.
Bring on the Tigers
Report abuse
WOW !!! I was expecting a loan deal for this guy but to sign him is great.
Re post 1 – that deal would sound fair enough… if he helps keep us up he stays, but if we did go dowm he only cost 250k – another great deal by JP.
Don’t know too much about him, but I’m hoping he is in the patrick vierra mould – a gritty ball winner who can play too (any ToMo signing will always be able to play the ball).
So – 2 new strikers and a ball winner in midfield – it’s looking better now… but who drops out to get him in ??
I like the look of Jonno and Koren in the middle – but maybe one of those will move out wide…. thoughts ??
Report abuse
Also, now this deal is done for cash will we get Peguy Luyindula in on loan ??
Report abuse
Its a VERY good price IF he is as good as we’re meant to believe. I just think (I know I am JUST a Wolves fan) its a cheap option to say that you are at least having a go at spending to stay up. I may be proved wrong.
Report abuse
Jeremy spashing the cash :O :O
whats going onn ???
looks a good player, a bit of solidity in the midfield maybe
Report abuse
Another Unknown!!
But i would like to suggest 2 things to dress up as on the last day of the season against blackburn like usual.
Umpa Lumpas because all of our midfield are under 6ft.
Or possibly a spannish crab for our spannish midfielder valero who only passes a ball sidewards.
Report abuse
Could be the answer to your prayers, I sincerely hope so, Good luck.
Report abuse
Good purchase…..let’s hope he’s able to get used to the Prem sooner rather than later.
I’ve read nothing but good reports on him. Where’s Paris Baggie when you need him eh?????
Report abuse
Robbo’s won his appeal.
I bet Cech is gutted.
Report abuse
Robbo’s red card rescinded by FA.
Report abuse
another bloke weve neva heard of, but we bought good unknowns b4, Teixeira, Koren. Hopefully hes as good as hes meant 2 be. Bring a gr8 defensive midfielder in midfield, he may put a tackle in, unlike greening, valero and co.
Report abuse
Robbo’s red card has been overturned by the way.
Andi, with an I, I hope that you are able to string together the words ‘I’, ‘was’ and ‘wrong’ to form a sentence that would be applicable.
Rob Styles should have the 3 match ban instead!!
Report abuse
Just because a player is relatively unknown to us doesnt mean he isn’t a good player. Virtually every player starts his career off as an unknown and there have been plenty of examples of players who move for very little money and then prove themselves to be very good players.
Realistically we are not going to gamble our future by spending millions on a well know player and in fairness in our current position are we likely to be able to attract players like that anyway? At least we are looking for and signing players in the areas we all said needed strengthening so things are definitely looking better. The futures Bright its Blue & White.
Report abuse
8 – How would you dress as a crab, and how would you distinguish it’s nationality as Spanish?
Report abuse
great news about Robbo’s red card – and it just confirms what we all knew about the refs display against Utd.
To all the posters who were so positive that robbo deserved to go “cos he’s just a thug”… whether you are a baggies fan (lukey boy) or follow another team (oldburite) – maybe you aint quite so knowledgable as you all thought eh ???
Report abuse
Lets all be honest here…. who amongst us follows French football THAT closely ???
I know i don’t so I’m prepared to give this lad every chance to prove himself…. I also don’t follow Flemish, slovenian, Croatioan or Norwegian football that closely – and apart from maybe three teams in the Itailian and spanish leagues I don’t know their players either….
So if we do get players in from abroad I never wonder about the “WHO… ????” contingent that always seems slightly shocked that we didn’t sign E’to or Raul !
Report abuse
8 Celtic maybe Baggie are you sure. I’ve never seen you post anything that isn’t critical. Oldburyite is more positive about us than you and he’s a Villa fan.
Good news about this bloke, TM has a good record but no one is infallible so let’s not build up the expectations until we’ve seen him play, all the same I can’t wait.
Great news about Robbo, now let’s hope something is done about the village idiot that sent him off. Not just demotion to the CCC, why should they suffer. The man is a moron and should be kicked out of football.
Report abuse
16 – how do you dress crab..?? with a squeeze of lemon and a light salad.
If you need any other cookery tips let me know !
Report abuse
Celtic Baggie
Zuiverloon/Unknown!
Olsson/Unknown!
Cech/Unknown!
Valero/Unknown!
Koren/Unknown!
Teixeira/Unknown!
Simpson/Unknown!
Fortune/Unknown!
Bednar/Unknown!
Miller/Unknown!e.t.c
Iam sorry but thats the way Albion have to do
their buisness,
230.000 for a 21 year old ball winning midfeild
would be an absolutly fantastic deal!
JUST HOPE IT COMES OFF!
Would you rather we spent 5M on a yesterdays
man like Bullard!
Imagine if Hull City go down they will be in
financial turmoil!
Report abuse
Nedball. There is a costume shop in dudley that sells them and also the internet. Also we could drape spannish flags around the costume.What you think?lol
Report abuse
haha happy baggie, the below post posted by myself yesterday didnt suggest i thought it was a positive sending off. Most of my posts regarding robbo are more to do with his ability rather than the sending off.
“Whether it was a sending off or not unfortunatly in todays football climate if you go bombing in for a challenge 40 yards away from the ball unless its spot on their is always the chance you will get send off”
Im worried that now his card has been overturned that he will again be a liability against hull.
Report abuse
A midfielder who can tackle? Surely not.
Pity about the fist pumper winning his appeal, how bad does he have to be to get dropped. That tackle was the only time he got near Park all night.
Report abuse
WOW £250K i am so impressed with this signing. But he will fit in well with our championship side for the coming season. Id say sell some of our assets – but i dont think we have anyone the real prem boys would be interested in.
Report abuse
ok then
this isnt critical im glad robbo isnt suspended but i like my team to be able to defend and we cant unfortunatly.
And for the Celtic Baggie bit
You might want to look into the word Celtic more than just the football club:)
Report abuse
Maybe you should find out what the actuall word celtic means and not just limit it to the football club thank you.
I might moan but thats only because we cant defend at all and im a megson type of person clean sheets are crucial and we never look like keeping one.
Report abuse
Why all the negativity about the midfield? They’re closing down and tackling more now than they ever have, they are proper footballers and they cost relatively nowt. It’s not their fault none of them are ball winners. ToMo should have recognised and addressed it earlier. Confident in us staying up though. Come on you Baggies!!
Report abuse
20 – Happy, that was terrible, but thanks. I don’t like Sea food much, it all tastes crab to me.
22 – Celtic, I’ll leave that one to you Kidder, I’m sure you’ll be easy enough to spot, so when you’ve done it, I’ll definitely come shake you by the claw.
Report abuse
25 – The Dingle stories are on another page you tool!
Report abuse
Rangers baggie???
Are you doing that because your a rangers fan?protastant?or just to try and copy me?and manybe because all of our midfield are about 5foot 3 its a joke stoke would eat them.
Report abuse
I remember the match the west brom fans were chanting for Ian Hamilton, one of our own players to be sent off. Thats how poor he was. How long will it be until the rose tinted glasses fall off nedball,happy baggie wba forever and the real bully hoo etc and the crowd turn on Mr Robinson.
Report abuse
good call #21- mulumbu may be an unknown but makes more sense than hull signing bullard. a 4 year deal for a 31 year old on £40,000 a week is the kind of deal that sends relegated clubs into administration. doesn’t show much commitment to the club that stood by him through injury either. i’d rather see an unknown with potential than an over paid, over rated badge kisser any day. (i bet bullard scores on saturday now i’ve said that)
Report abuse
30. shocked. I am being honest losing in the premiership is dull. cmon noone enjoyed the 5-0 thrashing midweek, it could have been 10-1 Winning games in the championship is more rewarding
Report abuse
Neddy – you don’t like sea food ??
That’s a bit shellfish of you !
Report abuse
Rangers baggie!!
are you doing your name just to annoy me or becuase your just an idiot?
also i slate our midfield because im preety sure that our next signing is going to be vern out of big brother to add some physical presence to the midfield.
Report abuse
Re: 10: here I am Nedball, bonjour to you and every Baggie.
From what I know (and from what my French colleagues are saying) Mulumbu was regarded as a very good prospect when PSG signed him but there are others who have got ahead of him (especially this guy Sessegnon who looks very good). All the same, the papers here reckon PSG were offering Mulumbu a new 3-year contract, so someone there must rate him. He’s got plenty of energy but isn’t the most creative, so basically he could be exactly what we need as he should complement the likes of Valero etc.
I think we’re going to have to fork out cash if we want Luyindula. He’s now keeping Giuly out of the PSG team so it’s going to take a cash bid to get Le Guen to sell.
Report abuse
So with this lad on board, and Meite fit again, plus Robbo being available we have some bite in the team… it’s going to be interesting to see how TM plays it against one of the teams (Hull) where we could get a decent result. I hope we go for goals but with a strong back four.
I think we may see a lot of squad rotation up till the end of the season dependant upon the opposition – but I would be suprised if we go 4-5-1 again.
Report abuse
34 – we lost to Man Utd… boo hoo !!!
Thats the 11th game in a row they kept a clean sheet so was it really a suprise to you? Prior to that we had won 3 league games at home on the spin plus won away in the Carling and stayed in the FA cup.
If you can’t stand losing then follow a glory team or stay on the Xbox.
Report abuse
36 – there is more to the name rangers than just the football team…. (and no, it wasn’t me).
Report abuse
32 – it sounds like you were one of the idiots calling for hamilton to be sent off, and who probably wet themselves with self rightous delight when Robbo was sent off – have you got rid of the “I told you so t.shirt” yet??
Well I support the team – and every player who pulls on the shirt with pride. If Robbo wasn’t trying or giving 100% I would call for his head, but he gives his all for the team – which is obviously far more than you are prepared to do.
Report abuse
Ronson- Was that not Shaun Murphy the fans were chanting to be sent off? I seem to recall this being a home game during midweek.
Re: getting on Robbo’s back. I don’t think any of us would say he’s had a great season, but if a few idiots start alienating the fans from the team by singling players out and booing them, it could completely undermine our chances of survival as the spirit and willingness to play for the shirt could easily disintegrate.
Celtic- I don’t think a derogatory criticism of one of your own players is a good idea for the fancy-dress!! Perhaps something to do with Olsson, Morrison as they’ve probably been our two outstanding performers so far?
Report abuse
I know
This is the e and s so lets not get into a catholic and protestant debate shall we:)
Report abuse
I was trawling through the remaining fixtures albion have until the end of the season. And I calculate from the teams Albion can possible win against There is 29 points up for grabs for the Baggies to turn this season around on it’s head can we do it ? Hull is one vital match we must get something from.
Report abuse
Just been re-reading Oldbuyites posts regards robbo and our outcry over his red card – enjoy….
“Sorry Braggies fans, but you are all up in arms for nothing, it will get you exactly nowhere and I will tell you why.
1. The sending off was absoloutly correct
2. It WAS a full on studs up bad challenge
3. It was a worse foul than Ashley Youngs the week before and you Braggies were the first to condemn it, yet you seem to condone Robinson, Why?
Oldbury…I often enjoy your posts, even though they are usually a compliment with a snide dig attached – but you really did make a prat of yourself with this one.
Report abuse
Mulumbu,not a player ive heard about,but Paris Baggie seems to have got some info and it sounds like he could be a good buy and just what we need,dont like the idea of him having a go for nothing release clause if we go down.Lets hope that TOMO plays him…..
Report abuse
11, i bet he aint as gutted as oldbryite aye boing boing donk
Report abuse
hey olbryite shows wot you know,go crawl back on your seal rock and stay there,aye boing boing donk
Report abuse
lets all dress up as refs for blackburn or have we already done that one,aye boing boing styles,
Report abuse
6,yes my friend thats wot you are just a wolves fan,aye boing boing weres me banner
Report abuse
last home game is agaimst liverpool ,them needing towin for the title us needing to win st stay up mmmm done it before and well do it again .fancy dress should all dress up as suoerman cos if we stay up tm is superman!!!!
Report abuse
Paris Baggie – merci beaucoup mon ami.
Ronson, why would I want to turn on my own team? That’d be like beating up my own Mother!! I will defend Robbo because he always gives 100% when wearing the shirt.
Baggie trousers, I would rather we were in the Prem than the Championship (trying to get into the Prem) personally.
That’s like saying I’d like to play in the group stages of the World Cup against Uzbekistan, San Marino and Scotland but don’t want to play in the World Cup final against Brazil because we stand more chance of losing.
Any way, thanks again Paris Baggie, let’s hope Mulumbu passes his medical and is better than Nigel Quashie!!
Report abuse
22 celtic, you mean theres a shop in dudley,aye boing boing donk
Report abuse
Apologies to you Braggies fans for my pesimism, I really did not believe the cowards at the FA would go against Rob Styles, or think about ruffling the feathers of Man Utd.
Report abuse
HAPPY i got a good idea,me,you,worcester,jarrod,hilltop,go as crabs,nedball can go as an octypus and fetch the beer,aye boing boing donk
Report abuse
27, does it mean winners of 2 horse race,aye boing boing donk
Report abuse
What a waste of time this signing is. On wba.co.uk mogga says that
””He’s just a young player who has got potential and hopefully sometime in the future he’ll make an impact on our first team, like Dorrans has done this year.
“I would suggest, if Malumbu gets done, it won’t impact instantly on our first team.
He’s someone who will play in the reserves and we’ll hope we’ve got a footballer somewhere down the line”
Why on earth are we wasting time, resources and money on this type of player. Once were established as a premier team then we can look to maybe add 1 good player to main team and some good youngsters for the future.
Were going down this season with this squad we have. We’ve gambled and its not really worked. We have waited to Jan and this is our last time to bolster this team so we have enough quality to grind enough results out to stay up. Once this window closes thats it till the end of the season and wheres the quality we need. Simpson looks ok and fourtune is ok. Both unproven in the premier and we dnt need players who look ok. We need players who are going to get results. I hope our lads do it and hopefully we stay up and can spend in the summer but when you look at teams around us they have players in their which can get you results. Who do we turn to when were not playing good or we have a ref against us or we pick up injuries?
Report abuse
35 – Happy, I don’t know really fella, but I’ve always been a bit suspicious of sea food. I’ve always thought there’s something fishy about it!
Report abuse
Nedball.
Write the word SPANISH on the back of the costume in black felt tip!!
This new signing may need time to get up to speed with the Prem so TM may not play him straight away.
Report abuse
Number 42 maybe they were chanting at him to.
Happy_baggie I would never boo a player wearing a west brom top, my father Ronson Bronson Snr unfortunatly doesnt fall into this bracket.
ps Please refrain from calling me an idiot or making comments about my muscaric receptors random relaxation problems. I am on detrusatol 100mg a day to fix it.
Report abuse
So busy reading all your comments that I forgot that TM says he is one for the future!!
Get him trained up and see what happens.
Thought!!
If TM sees him as one for the future, How can he have a relegation get out clause in his contract??
Can you see JP signing someone with a get out clause in their contract??
It seems someone is mischief making!!
Report abuse
Technically, I’m Celticbaggie too in both senses of the word. Missed FA Cup game ‘cos I was in Glasgow celebrating my namesake’s 250 birthday.
Well I feel for Marek because on Tuesday before Robinson was sent off he was doing a great Saturn impression…
Report abuse
surely its got to be the return of the famous beachwear party,weekend in Blackpool no playoffs to worry about just look forward to our hols,see you all at Hull.
Report abuse
Ok Ok Ok, the red has been recinded, which I suppose by virtue of that fact means I was wrong, but guess what, I’m pleased about it.
I will now retire to lick my wounds, but I will be back to debate other football matters when they arise and wait my turn to fire my shots across your boughs.
Report abuse
Happy.
What’s happened, are you mainlining Phylosan? If so do you know where I can score some?
Report abuse
Good evening Terence and the other REAL Baggies men, from a flu-ridden, poxed-up old git. I was in no condition to go on Tuesday. Now I know I should have stayed in bed. I’m still swearing about 5-0 though. It would have been 2-0 at worst with 11 players and the goals against a bit better. I would think the ref-assessor put in an accurate report about this idiot-would-be-Laurence-Olivier performance. Pity they couldn’t get the game replayed too. Back in the days of Stanley Matthews, no one wanted to shoot their left back after he had tortured the life out of them. We accepted that almost no one could play him. I well remember Len Millard shoving him over the wall round the pitch and everyone laughed. It was the only time he made any contact! Park was superb in that role on Tuesday. I doubt Cech would have done any better. The idea of dressing as refs..Hmmm, as long as it wasn’t Idiot Styles. Long hair would have to come back in fashion!
Report abuse
at least now we r showing more passion, its time 2 move on with left back spot though.How good were man utds 2nd team
Report abuse
cech cant get in the team, so what the hell are we wasting more money for?
Report abuse
21.
i would rather have spent 5m on bullard, hes class, he can shoot, take freekicks and take on players. we dont no anything about this dude. but 230k is nothing, so if hes rubbish, its not alot wasted
Report abuse
55 – Terry, if you sort out the Octopus outfit (I’m sure there’s a shop in Gornal that sells them)AND pay for the beers, I’ll wear it and do the fetching.
I’ll happily get you octopissed!
Report abuse
66,morning cyril,hey cyril you want to see my mrs in her refs outfit,lets forget about tuesday mate its gone now,AYE BOING BOING DONK
Report abuse
51 mark,done that one last year mate at qpr and i must say jarrod really looked the part aye boing boing lois laine
Report abuse
63 colin,cant get no more beachy than a crab and octypus mate,im all for blackpool w/e,see you in the hilton.aye boing boing donk-ey
Report abuse
man united team sheet for the next game is …
GK(van der saar)
RB(gary nev)
CB(rio ferdinand)
CB(Mike Riley)
RM(C ronaldo)
CM(Howard Webb)
CM(Phil Dowd)
LM(Ryan Giggs)
CF(Chris foy)
and man uniteds captain for todays game and star player is number 9 mr. Rob Styles.
Report abuse
70,morning ned,of course i,ll pay for them mate i mean how you going to get your hands in your pocket holding 8 pints,i will bring my octypurse,aye boing boing donk
Report abuse
63 colin,i just found a hotel on the front its only 15 squid a night,we can have a whale of a time,aye boing boing flipper
Report abuse
I only put the dress up as spannish crabs as a joke and now all of a sudden everyone seems to want to dress up as sea creatures. Any other ideas for the blackburn game?
Report abuse
I agree with celtic baggie
I think should go as a spanish crab, just to show our support for the sideward playing valero.
Report abuse
74… LMFAO!
So, when will we loan Mulmubulumubulmuba out and when do we expect him to leave permanently for a lower league club?
Report abuse
Trust Mogga, His scouting and player research is generally sound, Those who fall short are shipped out generally showing a profit.
We are never going to spend big bucks unless Sheik Mohammed Al Maktoom takes a fancy to Smethwick. 230K good money spent on another young prospect. Better sense than 5 mil spent by the wasps on a cockney cash mercenary ..
Report abuse
75 – Cheers Terry. I’ll sea you tomorrow.
Oh I do like to be beside the seaside!!
We can go for an boing boing aye donk-ey ride!!
Report abuse