by Rawlie19 »
16 May 2007 11:07
Reading Football Club have completed the signing of midfielder Kalifa Cisse.
We have paid just under ?1m to Portuguese top flight side Boavista.
We have beaten off competition from other European clubs for his signature, and he has put pen to paper on a three-year contract.
The 22-year-old Frenchman has missed just two of Boavista's games this season.
He has spent two seasons with Boavista and previously played for Estoril, also in Portugal, having started his career with Toulouse.
Nick Hammond told readingfc.co.uk, "Kalifa is a 6'2" central midfielder who has also played in defence.
"He has real athletic ability and the technical attributes that should be well suited to the Premiership.
"Having spent time with him and his family in Portugal, we believe he will adapt quickly to life in England and his personality will fit very well with the current squad."
Chairman John Madejski added, "To sign Khalifa so soon after the end of the season shows this club's ambition to do well in the Premiership next year.
"I'd like to welcome this very highly regarded player to Reading, and I'm delighted we've secured his signature.
"He is also a a very nice character, which is important."