Kranjčar signs for Portsmouth
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Article summary
English Premiership outfit Portsmouth FC have completed a busy spell of transfer activity by signing Niko Kranjčar, Andrew Cole and Manuel Fernandes.
Article body
Portsmouth FC have completed a busy spell of transfer activity by bringing in four players on deadline day, making a total of seven summer signings.
Croatia star
The most intriguing arrival is Croatian international midfielder Niko Kranjčar, who has joined from HNK Hajduk Split on a four-year contract and for a fee in excess of €5m. Still only 22, Kranjčar has 25 caps for his country and the experience of five seasons in Croatia's top flight - including three and a half with his first club NK Dinamo Zagreb. At the other end of the age scale is striking addition Andrew Cole, the 34-year-old former England forward who has come in from Manchester City FC on a two-year deal. The initial sum is close to €750,000, which could rise to €1.5m.
Douala deal
Portsmouth have secured the services of 20-year-old Portuguese international Manuel Fernandes on loan from SL Benfica and they could sign the midfielder for €10m at a later date. Portsmouth have also brought Cameroon winger Roudolphe Douala Mbela to the club on loan for the rest of the season from Sporting Clube de Portugal. The Premiership side's other recruits include England goalkeeper David James and defender Sol Campbell, and Nigerian striker Nwankwo Kanu. One player leaving Fratton Park, however, is Bulgarian international striker Svetoslav Todorov, who has joined fellow Premiership outfit Wigan Athletic FC on a season-long loan.