@ChrisLepkowski
Mulumbu signs new deal. Good news for Albion. Always said he would be driven by #wba ambition. Significant gesture

Good to hear the ambition part. Think his 'pal' Anelka signing helped!

http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/mulumbu-extends-albion-contract-917225.aspx

Key midfielder rewarded with new-and-improved deal

The really pleasing thing is that Youssouf should now be coming into his best years as a footballer"
Steve Clarke

YOUSSOUF Mulumbu has boosted the club’s pre-season preparations by signing a contract extension.

The fan-favourite has been rewarded with a new-and-improved deal which commits him to the club until 2016.

Mulumbu has signed a two-year contract, plus a further year’s option in the club’s favour.

Head coach Steve Clarke said: “This is good news for everyone connected with West Bromwich Albion.

“Youssouf is a talented player and the fact he is willing to sign a contract extension shows we’re doing the right thing as a club.

“Youssouf is an important player for the group – the number of games he’s played in the past few seasons underlines this fact.

“The really pleasing thing is that Youssouf should now be coming into his best years as a footballer and will hopefully spend them here.”

Mulumbu, who had 12 months to run on his previous contract, plus a year’s option in the club’s favour, has established himself as a firm fans’ favourite since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain four-and-a-half years ago.

He played a pivotal role in the Baggies’ automatic promotion success in 2009/10 and crowned a memorable first full season in the top flight by winning both the fans’ and players’ Player-of-the-Season awards.

The DR Congo international has also been a key figure in the club securing top ten finishes in the past two campaigns.

Sporting & Technical Director (Designate) Richard Garlick said: “This continues our policy of rewarding players for the progress they make at the club and we’re delighted Youssouf has put pen to paper.

“I’m sure the news will be well received by all of our supporters, who fully understand his value to the team.

“Youssouf is integral to the dressing room and has developed over the past four-and-a-half years into a player who performs at a consistently high level in the Premier League.”

Great news for you. V good player I like him a lot!

@mulumbuofficial: “I’m really happy. I came back from holidays and saw my friend @anelkaofficiel had signed. Now I’ve signed new contract.”

Mulumbu and Yacob

"I think we’ll sign more good players and I’m really looking forward to the new season.”

Mulumbu's new deal ends several weeks of talks.

It effectively extends his previous deal by one-year as he was contracted until summer 2014, with the club having a 12-month option on top of that.

The Baggies first spoke to Mulumbu about an extended contract back in April.

Gareth McAuley has since signed new terms, with Shane Long's representatives still in discussions with Albion.

Long only got a year left? I think he should sign a new deal, without being too harsh to him or you I think you're perfect matches for each other. If only he could be a little more clinical!

He's in talks over a new deal Andy.

Good

What do you mean 'perfect for each other', out of interest?

I'm not entirely sure how to explain it but if you were to continue to improve I think he'd be able to keep improving at the pace you are and vice versa if that makes sense.

Ok, get you

Any news on Scott Sinclair going to you lot Andy? Heard were interested but you're favourites to get him!

Really? I've heard nowt about him mate. Would take him if it saw an end to Jonas No idea who the chuckle brothers i.e Kinnear and Ashley will bring in!

Yeh his odds massively dropped overnight to go to you or something but that was last week and haven't heard anything since!

Good man Youssouf.

4 and a half years.
still the same player if not better than when he first signed