Man City sign Ben Haim from Blues

[Hingis 0]

Manchester City have completed the signing of centre-back Tal Ben Haim from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee.

The Israeli joined Chelsea on a free transfer from Bolton in June 2007 but has left after failing to establish himself in the first-team set-up.

He has been allowed to leave by new Blues boss Luiz Felipe Scolari and has signed a four-year deal with City.

The 26-year-old's transfer is subject to him gaining a work permit, which should prove a formality.

Ben Haim has made regular appearances for his country, including two matches against England during qualifying for Euro 2008.

He is believed to have cost about £5m and is City's second summer signing after the arrival of Brazilian striker Jo for £18m from CSKA Moscow.

Ben Haim will be hoping for more first-team football at Eastlands after just 13 starts for Chelsea last season.

But, while he was competing with John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho and Alex at Stamford bridge, he will be battling for a central defensive berth with Richard Dunne and Micah Richards at City.

Hughes had hinted to a defensive signing as he recently said: "With so many games to play this season it is important to get the balance right.

"Last season the team was weakened when Micah Richards and Richard Dunne were not in it. We are trying to address that."

[Kez 2,727]

Thank god he's gone, good bit of business.

[True_Blue 469]

Well done Chelsea you got rid off one more Chelsea Legend

Great he left we now have more than enough good defenders.

[pablo814 1]

Did he really come to us thinking he'd get a starter spot????

[Kez 2,727]

"I would never of joined if i knew Jose was gonna leave"

:lol:

[BlueLion. 21,491]

£5 million? Bloody good business!

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

Cant say I'm sorry to see him go.

Pointless signing in the first place.

[Gianfranco_Z 202]

Well he was free, cant get much better for a half decent bench warmer.

[TrueChelseaBlue 105]

lmao! GET IN THEREEEEEEEEE

[Badboy 1,526]

:541: :541: :541: :541: 5 million

[oxfordblues 299]

it was the jewish connection,never had a chance really.but hey 5 big ones.

[misschief 24]

Lets be honest, Jose's last few signings were shite. No loss.

[changingman2000 35]

£5M for him is blinding business. If we can squeeze £12M out of someone (Roma perhaps) for Malouda then well be laughing.

[Slugger O'Toole 0]

Thanks Tal, now f*ck off. Can you put a good word in for Pizarro?