Pulis sheds single tear as tall centre-half leaves WBA

Matt Stead

Swedish defender Jonas Olsson has left West Brom to return to his homeland and join Djurgarden.

The 34-year-old would have been out of contract in the summer, but has reached a mutual agreement with Albion to terminate the remaining months of his deal so that he can sign for the Stockholm-based club in time for the start of the Swedish season next week. We saw it coming.

His departure brings to an end a nine-year stay at The Hawthorns in which he helped West Brom win promotion back to the Premier League, making 194 starts and scoring eight goals in the top flight.

Olsson told the club’s official website, wba.co.uk: “It’s all happened so quickly I’ve not had chance to say a proper farewell to so many people.

“I will be back at the first chance to do that. But I’m really grateful to the club for helping me sort out this transfer.

“I still feel I have a few good years in me but such is the quality of the competition at Albion for places in my position, it was getting harder and harder to see a first team opportunity.

“Albion has been and will always be a huge part of my life, and it is great to feel I am leaving it in such a strong position.”

Olsson has made just a handful of Premier League appearances this season as West Brom have defied expectations to currently sit eighth in the table.