Socceroos star Tom Rogic joins West Bromwich Albion on one-year deal

Socceroos star Tom Rogic has joined Championship side West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer, just months after he mysteriously disappeared for weeks. 

The 29-year-old, who has won 53 caps for Australia, has signed a one-year deal with the Baggies, with the club having the option to extend the contract by a further 12 months.

Rogic left Celtic at the end of last season, after helping the Bhoys to wrestle the Scottish Premier League title back from Rangers in Ange Postecoglou’s first season in charge.

Concerns over his wellbeing began in July, shortly after he withdrew from Australia’s World Cup qualifiers for personal reasons the previous month.

Rogic did not return Socceroos boss Graham Arnold’s phone calls, before eventually resurfacing in Sydney weeks later. 

Life appears back to normal for the midfielder, who said he was relishing his fresh start in the Championship. 

‘I was looking for a change of scenery and a fresh challenge,’ he told the club’s website.

The Baggies have the option to trigger a one-year extension at the end of the season 

Rogic said he was relishing the opportunity to get started in the Championship 

The 29-year-old mysteriously disappeared in June, after he pulled out of Australia’s World Cup qualifiers and did not return team boss Graham Arnold’s calls

I didn’t just want to rush into anything. I think it was important for me to take my time and make sure my next club was the right club. 

I had some time to reflect and I now feel refreshed and re-energised and excited about the future. I’m really looking forward to getting started at Albion.’

Baggies manager Steve Bruce welcome the addition of a ‘quality player’, whom he hoped could make an immediate impact.

‘He has proven to be a quality player, a serial winner, and a top professional,’ Bruce said.

The 29-year-old has won 53 caps and scored 10 goals for Australia in his career 

Rogic (middle) left Celtic at the end of last season after 10 seasons at Parkhead, during which he won 16 majors trophies with the Glasgow club

‘He can play in several positions across midfield and I’m confident he will prove to be a great acquisition for the club. I’m delighted to have him with us.’

Rogic enjoyed a trophy-laden nine years at Celtic Park since joining from Central Coast Mariners in 2013, winning  six Scottish Premiership medals, five Scottish cups and five League Cups.

West Bromwich are 14th in the Championship after eight games and have won just once in the league so far this season, drawing six matches and losing one.