Belhadj signs a long term contract for Portsmouth

Nadir Belhadj has signed a four and a half year contract with Pompey.   

• The Blues have paid French side Lens 4.5m euros for the 26-year-old left-sided player.
• Belhadj has made the switch after a successful loan spell at Fratton Park in which he has scored twice in 23 appearances.
• The Algeria international officially become a Pompey player on January 1, when the transfer window opens.
• Tony Adams said Belhadj’s capture came with a ringing endorsement from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
• The Blues manager said: “I’m delighted to have secured Nadir as a permanent signing”.
• “Nadir is an excellent acquisition for the club and even Arsene Wenger commented on his ability to spring from defense to attack so quickly. He has great pace and energy and 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.”
• “His enthusiasm is first class and he’s already a big favorite with the Fratton Park fans; they recognize he gives everything.”
• Blue executive chairman Peter Storrie said: “I’m delighted to have turned Nadir’s move into a permanent one”.
• “There was a lot of interest in him from a number of clubs across Europe, but he is enjoying his football on the south coast and was very keen to sign a long-term contract with us.”
• Belhadj arrived on loan from Lens in the summer transfer window and made his debut in the 2-1 defeat of Middlesbrough at Fratton Park on September 13.
• His first goal for the club came in the 2-1 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of light on November 8. He also scored the opener against West Ham at Fratton Park on Boxing Day.
• The French-born player began his career with Lens before spells at Sedan, Gueugnon and Lyon, returning to Lens a year ago.