Chelsea teenager Sahar joins Pompey on loan
Portsmouth have signed Chelsea teenager Ben Sahar on a six-month loan.
The 18-year-old Israeli striker had loan spells at QPR and Sheffield Wednesday
last season but could now get his chance to shine on a regular basis in the Barclays Premier League.
Fratton boy: Ben Sahar has joined Portsmouth for six months
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 said: "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."
