£175k proved money well spent for West Brom, he’s still loved at The Hawthorns

They secured consistent mid-table finishes, even finishing as high as eighth in the 2012-13 season, due in large part to a reliable and loyal core of players who garnered a reputation for defensive solidity.

One such player was midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu, who arrived from PSG for just £175k in January 2009.

The former Congolese international was a tough-tackling midfielder who provided energy and determination in the middle of the park.

Mulumbu was not short of technique either, and he would routinely fire in goals from the edge of the area or glide past players before slotting the ball home.

A cult hero at the Hawthorns, Mulumbu was central to West Brom’s return to the topflight and was a key presence as the Baggies maintained their Premier League status despite years of managerial upheaval – nine managers came through the door during his time at the club.

Mulumbu left West Brom in 2015, having made 211 appearances across seven seasons with the club, and is still fondly remembered by fans due to his role in the most successful period in West Brom’s modern history.