Y
ymakerpi8d
Guest
Pompey have today completed the signings of defender Tal Ben Haim, and Benfica midfielder, Ha san Yebda.Ben Haim has arrived on a free transfer from league rivals Manchester City, subject to a work permit, while 25-year-old Yebda has joined the Blues on a season-long-loan deal.Upon signing a four-year contract, Ben Haim stated: Im very happy to be here at Pompey. Its a big challenge because after four games we have no points but Im ready for the challenge.I want to help Pompey get some good results and take them to the position they belong, he added.Ben Haim is expected to fill the void left by former captain, Sylvain Distin, and is pencilled in to make his debut against former club Bolton Wanderers, in Pompeys next league encounter.Ben Haims opportunities at Eastlands became limited, particularly with the arrivals of both Kolo Toure and England international, Joleon Lescott.Pompey becomes the 27-year-olds fourth club in the past two years, after having unsucce sful spells at Chelsea, City and more recently, Sunderland.Ben Haim in his City days - will he replace Distin?Fans will be hoping the Israeli international will be able to recapture the form he once had Carl Nassib Jersey at Bolton Wanderers, helping Pompey avoid a relegation battle this season.Despite proving a hit with the Benfica faithful last season, Yebda has surprisingly found himself surplus to requirements.Described as a central midfielder, the Algerian international remained a constant fixture of the Reds midfield last season, while being voted as the leagues September Player of the Month.Yebda had previously been linked with a 3m switch to Premier League side Everton, but Portsmouth officials have been quick to act and have at least secured the midfielders services for one season.Yebda is said to be a close friend of Portsmouth left-back Nadir Belhadj. He could yet be joined by another Algerian teammate, with midfielder Lazhar Hadj A sa rumoured to be completing a cut-price 400,000 move to Pompey, later today.Yebda - a fighter needed for a relegation battle
