Nonda heads to Blackburn
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Article summary
Premiership outfit Blackburn Rovers FC have signed Shabani Nonda on loan for the rest of the season from AS Roma with the option of a permanent transfer.
Article body
UEFA Cup hopefuls Blackburn Rovers FC have boosted their striking options with the signing of Shabani Nonda on loan for the season from AS Roma with the option of a permanent transfer although Finnish international forward Shefki Kuqi has left Ewood Park.
Impact in France
The 29-year-old DR Congo forward, who made his name in France with Stade Rennais FC and AS Monaco FC by scoring 87 goals in 177 Ligue 1 games, had an unproductive first term in Italy, making just four Serie A starts. He arrives in England ahead of Blackburn's UEFA Cup first-round encounter against FC Salzburg.
Kuqi departure
Kuqi, meanwhile, has signed a three-year contract with English Championship side Crystal Palace FC, who will pay Blackburn €3.7m for the 29-year-old. The striker, who joined Mark Hughes' side last summer, scored seven goals in 15 Premiership starts in 2005/06 but was largely used as a substitute.
