Premier League - Pompey take Sahar on loan

Eurosport - Wed, 02 Jul 11:33:00 2008

Portsmouth have signed Chelsea teenager Ben Sahar on a six-month loan.

FOOTBALL 2007 Israel Ben Sahar - 0

The 18-year-old Israeli striker had loan spells at QPR and Sheffield Wednesday last season but will now get his chance in the Premier League.

Sahar has made three appearances for the Chelsea first team and is relishing his move to the FA Cup winners, who will also feature in the UEFA Cup next season.

He told Portsmouth's website: "I'm ready for the challenge of being part of such a big club, like Portsmouth.

"I want to be part of it and to show that I deserve to be here."

Sahar joined Chelsea in May 2006 from Hapoel Tel Aviv, and the teenager has since become a full Israel international.

Dutch side NEC Nijmegen had hoped to sign him on loan for next season, however the move to Portsmouth will allow Chelsea to keep close tabs on his progress.

With European football beckoning for Portsmouth, Sahar is eager to be involved against continental opposition with Harry Redknapp's team.

He will challenge Jermain Defoe, David Nugent and Kanu for a place in Redknapp's attack.

The chance to play in the UEFA Cup helped to persuade the youngster to move to the south coast.

"It was a factor," Sahar said.

"We have seen Portsmouth are a great team who can win trophies.

"They are now in Europe and that will be a big challenge as well."

He added: "I've heard a lot of good things about Harry Redknapp, the club and the staff and they obviously had a very good season, so I'm happy to be here."

Sporting Life / Eurosport

Comment 1 - 7 of 7

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  1. another shrewd move by harry. a good young talent if portsmouth can keep him..

    From iancross2000, on Wed 2 Jul 12:27PM

  2. another shrewd move by harry. a good young talent if portsmouth can keep him..

    From iancross2000, on Wed 2 Jul 12:26PM

  3. harry is becoming afagan, he gets a striker on the cheap and chelsea will spend over 50 million and sulks and egos and no goals, roma may come to think if you cant out- wit harry make him manager.

    From bluegrit, on Wed 2 Jul 10:40AM

  4. good move

    From ahmed_sharawy49, on Wed 2 Jul 1:42AM

  5. sahar will not be a big star

    From ahmed_sharawy49, on Wed 2 Jul 1:39AM

  6. brilliant for everyone. Sahar gets experience, chelsea get a better player next season, pompey get a good striker

    From dannydwilton, on Tue 1 Jul 6:26PM

  7. Good loan deal.

    From Luxy, on Tue 1 Jul 5:17PM
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