Boulahrouz set for Stamford Bridge
Friday, August 18, 2006
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English champions Chelsea FC have strengthened their defence by agreeing the transfer of Dutch international Khalid Boulahrouz from Hamburger SV.
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'Undisclosed fee'
The 24-year-old central defender will travel to England this weekend to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical. A statement on Chelsea's website confirmed the Londoners had "agreed an undisclosed fee" for the player, who appeared in all four of the Netherlands' matches at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in June before being dismissed against Portugal in the last 16.
Success with Hamburg
Boulahrouz began his senior career with RKC Waalwijk but during the 2004/05 season moved on to Germany and Hamburg. He made 28 league appearances as Thomas Doll's team claimed second place in the Bundesliga last term but despite the prospect of UEFA Champions League football with Hamburg, a fresh challenge at Chelsea now beckons for the one-time AFC Ajax trainee.
Extra option
Given the uncertainty over the futures of William Gallas and Robert Huth at Stamford Bridge, Boulahrouz's impending arrival offers manager José Mourinho a welcome extra option to regulars John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho in central defence. Chelsea open their Premiership campaign at home to Manchester City FC on Sunday.
