Fulham sign Benfica defender Halliche

Fulham announced Tuesday they’d signed Algeria defender Rafik Halliche on a three-year deal from Portuguese side Benfica.

The 23-year-old has moved to the English Premier League side for an undisclosed fee.

Halliche told London club Fulham’s official website: “I’m so happy that my transfer to Fulham has been finalised.

“For me, the Premier League is the best league in the world and to be able to play alongside some wonderful players and to be given an opportunity to compete against some fantastic teams for a team like Fulham is something that I’ve always dreamed of doing.”

Halliche, who joined Benfica in 2008 but spent the last two seasons on loan to fellow Portuguese outfit Nacional, is Fulham’s third signing this transfer window after Philippe Senderos, Jonathan Greening and Moussa Dembele.

He has won 20 caps for Algeria since making his debut against Senegal in May 2008 and played every minute of their World Cup campaign in South Africa, including the goalless draw with England in Cape Town.

Fulham have drawn their first two matches in the Premier League this season.