Blackpool sign Israel defender
Blackpool today announced they have completed the signing of Israel international Dekel Keinan from Maccabi Haifa on a free transfer. The 25-year-old has penned a one-year deal with an option for another 12 months.
Keinan has become the seventh player to have signed for manager Ian Holloway’s side this summer, all of whom have joined up in the space of a week. The central defender joins French trio Ludovic Sylvestre, Elliot Grandin and Malaury Martin along with utility player Chris Basham, striker Marlon Harewood, and defender Craig Cathcart as the club’s new arrivals.
The player has been given a work permit and will be available to play in the English Premier League match against Arsenal on Saturday.
Keinan told his new club’s official website that he was relishing the opportunity to test himself in England’s top-flight. "I am looking forward to the first game and I'm very happy everything is done. I had different offers but after I met the gaffer I was sure that I wanted to play for Blackpool."
'Vital experience'
Holloway added that the deal had taken some time to complete, but was glad to have finally gotten his man. He said that: "It's dragged on to be perfectly honest, I thought it was all done a few weeks ago but at last we've got our man and I'm delighted to have him. He's going to be a fantastic addition, one of the best professionals I've ever seen and his experience will be vital by the end of the season. I'm delighted to have that."
Keinan came through the youth ranks at Maccabi Haifa and made his debut in the 2002-03 season. He helped the club win the Israeli Premier League in 2003-04 and 2008-09 and lifted the Toto Cup in 2008. The defender made 136 appearances for the club and scored six goals. He has made 15 appearances to date for the Israel international team.
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