Albion have completed the signing of highly rated defender Michal Karbownik from Legia Warsaw on a four-year contract until June 2024, on undisclosed terms.
The 19-year-old – who has been part of the Polish senior squad but is yet to win his first full cap – will remain with Legia, with a loan agreed for the rest of the season, subject to international clearance.
Technical Director Dan Ashworth said, “Michal is another exciting young player, who we are pleased to welcome to the club. He is flexible in terms of position; he can play on the right or left side, at full-back or wing-back, and in midfield.
“He helped Legia win the Polish league last season, as a regular in the team as a teenager. At this stage, we feel it is right for his development that he stays in Warsaw with Legia, where he will continue to play regular senior football.
“Like all our players out with other clubs, our loans department will monitor his progress and development over the season ahead.”
Karbownik made his breakthrough with Legia last season when he made 38 appearances and contributed eight assists in the Polish League, helping his side win the title. His consistent performances earned him the award for the best newcomer in Polish football last season.
This season he has played in both the Champions League and Europa League for Legia. He received his first call-up to the senior squad last month for their UEFA Nations League fixtures against the Netherlands and Bosnia and Herzegovina when he was an unused substitute in both matches.
He has also represented Poland at under-15 to under-19 level, as he graduated through the youth system at Legia.