Portsmouth sign Belhadj on permanent deal

Nadir Belhadj has joined Portsmouth on a four-and-a-half-year contract from French side Lens for 4.5 million euros (4.4 million pounds), the Premier League club announced Tuesday.

The 26-year-old Algeria left-back, born in France, has impressed during a loan spell at Fratton Park, scoring two goals in 23 appearances, and will officially become a Pompey player when the transfer window opens on January 1.

“I'm delighted to have secured Nadir as a permanent signing,” Portsmouth manager Tony Adams told the club's official website.

Former Arsenal captain Adams saw Pompey lose to his old club 1-0 on Sunday but said Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had been impressed by Belhadj.

“Even Arsene Wenger commented on his ability to spring from defence to attack so quickly,” Adams, who played under the Frenchman at Arsenal, added.

“He has great pace and energy and is a terrific crosser of the ball, too.”

Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie said: “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.”

Pompey are currently 12th in the table. But they are just three points above the Premier League relegation zone after losing their last four league matches.