- Nov 4, 2005
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Portsmouth have tied up the permanent signing of Nadir Belhadj in a €4.5 million (£4.4 million) capture from Lens.
Of all the loan signings that have ever entered The Premier League, the twinkled-toed Belhadj has arguably been one of the most exciting.
Equally capable with either foot, the left wing back finally opened his Pompey account on Boxing Day, and Tony Adams has moved swiftly to ensure the Algerian is not prised away from Fratton Park.
Belhadj joins on a four-and-a-half-year contract, and becomes Adams’ first official signing.
“Nadir is an excellent acquisition for the club and even Arsene Wenger commented on his ability to spring from defence to attack so quickly,” Adams told the club’s official website.
“He has great pace and energy, and he is a terrific crosser of the ball too.
“At the moment he’s playing left back and developing a good relationship with Niko Kranjcar, but he can also play left midfield too.”
Chairman Peter Storrie also expressed his delight at the deal, and he revealed there was tough competition to fend off for Belhadj’s signature.
“There was a lot of interest from a number of clubs across Europe,” confirmed Storrie.
“But Nadir is enjoying his football on the South Coast and was very keen to sign a long-term contract with us.”
Pompey have done well to tie him up, great loan signing in the first place from 'Arry.
Of all the loan signings that have ever entered The Premier League, the twinkled-toed Belhadj has arguably been one of the most exciting.
Equally capable with either foot, the left wing back finally opened his Pompey account on Boxing Day, and Tony Adams has moved swiftly to ensure the Algerian is not prised away from Fratton Park.
Belhadj joins on a four-and-a-half-year contract, and becomes Adams’ first official signing.
“Nadir is an excellent acquisition for the club and even Arsene Wenger commented on his ability to spring from defence to attack so quickly,” Adams told the club’s official website.
“He has great pace and energy, and he is a terrific crosser of the ball too.
“At the moment he’s playing left back and developing a good relationship with Niko Kranjcar, but he can also play left midfield too.”
Chairman Peter Storrie also expressed his delight at the deal, and he revealed there was tough competition to fend off for Belhadj’s signature.
“There was a lot of interest from a number of clubs across Europe,” confirmed Storrie.
“But Nadir is enjoying his football on the South Coast and was very keen to sign a long-term contract with us.”
Pompey have done well to tie him up, great loan signing in the first place from 'Arry.