Kanu welcomes Fahim´s Portsmouth takeover

Nigeria striker Nwankwo Kanu believes Sulaiman al-Fahim’s proposed takeover of Portsmouth will be a major boost to the Premier League club.

Fahim is expected to complete his takeover in the next few weeks after current owner Alexandre Gaydamak accepted an offer of around 60 million pounds from the property billionaire.

Fahim previously helped broker the Abu Dhabi United Group’s purchase of Manchester City, but was keen to own a club himself and moved for Portsmouth after considering an approach for Chelsea.

Kanu admits the Abu-Dhabi-based tycoon is certain of a good reception at Fratton Park because his presence guarantees the club will be able to keep their best players after an uncertain period when Gaydamak started to withdraw funding.

The club got through three managers – Harry Redknapp, Tony Adams and Paul Hart – and found themselves embroiled in a relegation battle for much of the season, while star players Jermain Defoe and Lassana Diarra were sold.

A financial injection should help to bring back some much-needed stability and Kanu insists that can only be good news for all concerned.

“We know the situation. We know what is going on now. We know we have a new owner and we have to move forward from there,” he told Sky Sports News.

“I don’t think they have told anybody much yet, because a lot of players have gone on holiday and some are on international duty. Nobody really knows what to expect when we come back.”

Fahim is reportedly keen to install former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson as the new manager at Fratton Park, but Kanu insists the Pompey players will give their full support to whoever is appointed.

“The boys are there to work with anybody that comes in. We will give them our support and do whatever they want us to do,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter who comes in, the most important thing is the stability of the club and I think that has happened now. The players are happy with that.”