Rafik Halliche signs for Fulham

Algerian center-back Rafik Halliche joins Fulham on a three-year deal, reported to be around the 2-million pound mark. Halliche is Mark Hughes’ second signing since taking over in late July, and should provide great cover for our ailing center of defense that saw signing Phillipe Senderos blow an achilles.

Despite being just 23 years old, Halliche already has 20 caps and one goal for his native Algeria. He was an integral part in helping the Desert Foxes qualify for their first World Cup since 1986, and then only conceding two goals — despite not scoring one.

Halliche was a Benfica player but never once featured for them. He instead was loaned out to C.D. Nacional of Madeira. One could argue that he was not good enough for Benfica, but I think he’ll be good enough for us. Hopefully he features in tomorrow night’s Carling Cup match against Port Vale.

I found this story about how Halliche’s fellow Algerians are milling around as free agents after the World Cup. Gotta love the backhanded compliment at the end.

Still, the Greens’ performance in South Africa certainly caught the attention of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. He was often quoted as praising the skills of Yebda and Halliche. For a while, it looked like the Premiereship side was set to make a deal. Then Arsenal made it clear it had no plans for them, making them face an unknown fate.

Halliche, who for the last 2 years has been playing on loan from Benfica to fellow Portuguese club Naciona, may have a way out.

With Fulham.

Ouch.

Category: Team News