Belhadj Signs Permanent Deal

Last updated : 30 December 2008 By Jim Bonner
Pompey have completed the permanent signing of Nadir Belhadj from RC Lens for a fee of £4.5 million.

The Algerian left back has really commited to Pompey by signing a four-and-a-half year deal with the club and will officially become a blue once the transfer window opens on January 1st.

Peter Storrie claims there were many European clubs interested in the 26-year-old, with Barcelona rumoured to be tracking his progress but with Pompey having first refusal on him Storrie hasn't been hesitant in getting the deal done.

Belhadj has been a bright spark in what has been a disappointing season so far and I'm delighted that one of our best performers during this campaign has been secured permanently with minimal fuss.

Sure, he's got a lot to learn defensively but the sheer pace and dribbling ability he has more than makes up for that. His link-up play down the wing is good and he has an eye for goal too.

If he can improve his defensive skill and be more consistent with his crossing then we'll have an outstanding player on our books. As it stands we just have a very good player on our books.

In other news, Glen Johnson and his agent are reported to be seeking legal advice after a newspaper claimed that the England right back was ready to seal a £9 million switch to Liverpool in January.

Peter Storrie says that Pompey have received no offers for Johnson or any other player, which means that Harry Redknapp's claim that Villa and City had tabled massive offers for Defoe is a pack of lies.

Speaking of Johnson, he is close to returning to full training meaning he should be available for selection soon.

That's if he's still here of course....