Chelsea FC - Supporters' Rally

[JWNY]

Ben Haim joins Chelsea on a free transfer

Chelsea have made it a hat-trick of free transfers for coach Jose Mourinho after landing Bolton defender Tal Ben Haim.

Ben Haim follows Steve Sidwell and Claudio Pizarro in moving to Stamford Bridge for nothing as Chelsea continue to bolster their squad ahead of next season.

The 25-year-old was out of contract at the Reebok Stadium and former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce was hoping to persuade the defender to link-up with him again at Newcastle.

But Ben Haim, who came close to signing for Chelsea in the January transfer window, opted to sign a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge instead.

Chelsea said in a statement: 'We can confirm we have completed the signing of Tal Ben Haim.

'The Israel international, formerly at Bolton where he was out of contract, completed his medical and agreed personal terms today on a four-year deal.

'He becomes the third new addition to the first team squad following Claudio Pizarro's signing earlier this month and the agreement that Steven Sidwell will join on July 1.'

Ben Haim spent three years at Bolton, where his versatility in defence and aerial ability gained him 110 appearances.

He was a regular in the Trotters' UEFA Cup campaign two seasons ago during which he was captain against Besiktas.

Previously, he played for Maccabi Tel Aviv in his homeland and has made 22 appearances for the Israel national team.

Ben Haim will join up with the Blues for the pre-season visit to the United States and he is now likely to be followed by the arrival of Alex, a player Chelsea reportedly already own, from PSV Eindhoven.

Newcastle boss Allardyce admitted earlier in the day that he had lost his bid to persuade the Israel defender to join him on Tyneside.

He said: 'I think we've had a long, hard go this week, but the lure of Chelsea and the Champions League for Tal has perhaps just pipped me at the post.

'I'm sad I can't bring him here and work with him again. I like the lad an awful lot and we know each other really well. But, like I said, the lure of Chelsea is a big one.'

[Flying Knife]

Originally Posted by JWNY

Ben Haim joins Chelsea on a free transfer

I don't understand why Chelsea anyhow buy, so what if it free.

[no_faith]

first, im not sure wat u trying to put across.

lastly, to sign Ben Haim is juz a low budget cover up.

[no_faith]

Blues close on Alex the Duck
Brazilian sensation Alexandre Pato is understood to be on the verge of joining Chelsea.

Chelsea have been fairly quiet in the transfer market this summer but reports suggest they could tie up an £18million move for Pato in the next few days.

The 17-year-old - nicknamed Alex the Duck - has produced some sparkling performances for Internacional in recent months and
is tipped to become the next big thing in Brazil.

The likes of Benfica and Milan have been linked with Pato but Chelsea are keen to snap him up quickly.

They were initially expected to watch Pato in action at the upcoming Under 20 World Cup before deciding whether to bring him in.

But Chelsea also fear he could attract more interest with a good showing at the youth competition in Canada, and Pato's agent claims a move is imminent.

"A deal is almost done," Gilmat Veloz said in the News of the World.

Reports claim Chelsea have agreed to let Pato stay with Internacional until the end of the Brazilian season in December.

wow, who is he? cost 18m?

[JWNY]

We should just get Nugent or Bent...

JWNY

[no_faith]

bro, nugent or bent, i hardly see them in action. i really cant comment.
but i got a feeling sheva will hit his peak for next season.
maybe im wrong.

[devilboy1978(2)]

French winger Florent Malouda of Lyon set 2 join Chelsea..d deal will b completed next week..

[Glen2712]

Have been watching Alex playing in this year's Copa America, pretty decent; has a courageous mental attitude.

[JWNY]

Originally Posted by devilboy1978(2)

French winger Florent Malouda of Lyon set 2 join Chelsea..d deal will b completed next week..

If you get info from those rags like The Sun or Mirror...you may be mistaken

JWNY

[Glen2712]

Approx. 5 more hours before Chile vs Brazil kicks off, can't wait to watch Alex in action.

[no_faith]

Malouda poised for Chelsea
Lyon winger Florent Malouda is on his way to Chelsea in a €20million (£13.5million) deal, with the two clubs having now come to an agreement over the fee.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas revealed on Sunday that an accord for the France international had been struck, and Chelsea have now confirmed to Sky Sports News that a deal has been done with the French champions.

In what has been a protracted transfer, Lyon have stood firm over what they feel is a fair price for a player who has been integral to their dominance of French football.

While Chelsea's rivals have spent big in the close-season, Jose Mourinho has thus far been prudent in the transfer market, largely relying on free transfers as he looks to bulk a squad that is already one of the strongest in Europe.

They have now made a significant move of their own, with the signing of Malouda set to be sealed on Monday subject to a medical.

"The transfer was concluded for a sum of €20million. It was a good transaction," Aulas told The Associated Press after a Lyon friendly at Albertville, France.

The length of the deal was not disclosed but it is hoped that all formalities will be concluded in time for Malouda to travel with his new team-mates on Monday, for a pre-season tour of United States.

"The London club is completely in agreement with the amount we're looking for. I'm waiting for a confirmation email from Chelsea's chief executive Peter Kenyon," Aulas added on Lyon's television channel OLTV.

"It's fantastic and great news for Florent. I've just phoned him and he's going to be able to leave tonight to undergo a medical in London on Monday."

Meanwhile, Michael Ballack will not be with the squad for the first week of the America tour, as he steps-up his rehabilitation from ankle surgery.

"A decision will be taken later, depending on progress, about whether he will join the squad for the latter part of the tour," read a club statement.


nvr really see him play b4 and summore play in french league, cost 13.5m?

[Castrol]

Originally Posted by no_faith

nvr really see him play b4 and summore play in french league, cost 13.5m?

bro, you didnt watch world cup last year? malouda was magnificent on the left wing for france, and he scored plenty for lyon. watch scv ch107/108, they are still showing lyon's last season league matches.

so with his signature, robben should be very near the exit door now?

[no_faith]

pai seh, cuz i tink all blacks look the same, nvr notice him but ribery.

robben? u want?

[JWNY]

Malouda may be a bargain...we overpaid for Essien too (from Lyon) - but he's really repaying us back well...

Robben to Madrid...if he wants

JWNY

[Castrol]

Originally Posted by no_faith

robben? u want?

maybe silly sven want.