By CGTN's Wang Meng

Zhang Yuning, one of China's up and coming footballers, has signed a five-year deal with West Bromwich Albion, the club announced on Monday. 

The English Premier League club immediately loaned the striker to Werder Bremen of the German Bundesliga on a two-year deal, after signing the Chinese striker from Eredivisie side Vitesse.

Zhang said, “This is the league I want to join, and the team I want to be with. I talked with my father the other day, and mentioned that the best choice is to join Bremen.” 

Chinese striker Zhang Yuning loaned to Werder Bremen for two years. /CFP Photo

Zhang, who has scored two goals in nine appearances for the Chinese national side, was shipped out to Germany right away because he would not be able to receive a work permit to play in England. 

The 20-year-old will now ply his trade for Bremen, who won the Bundesliga in 2004, while wearing the number 19 jersey. Seen as one of the brightest talents from China, Zhang hopes to learn and grow with the German club.

“To reach the level of the Bundesliga, you must have great competitiveness, a tactical mind, and discipline," Zhang said. "This is one of the best environments for a 20-year-old player to improve his career. I know this is a good chance to challenge my football skills.”