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Ryan Nelsen playing for Blackburn Rovers - Source: Reuters
All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen has made a major career move,
signing with Tottenham Hotspur as Europe's transfer window closed
this morning.
Nelsen's contract with Blackburn Rovers had been cancelled,
allowing him to make the transfer to Spurs, who are third on
Premier League ladder in the current season.
Lyle Yorks, Nelsen's Washington-based agent, confirmed the move
today.
"We settled with Blackburn and have reached agreement with Spurs,"
Yorks told the
Washington Post. "We're just awaiting
clearance. It's for six months, with a one-year option. It all
unfolded quickly."
[Spurs Manager] Harry Redknapp has always been a big fan of Ryan. When the opportunity came up, it really played itself out today."
Redknapp had shown strong interest in the defender prior to the
confirmation, claiming he would like another central defender due
to William Gallas' long term injury.
"I'm hoping to sign Ryan Nelsen on a free until the end of the
season. I think he's a great competitor and a good sort to have at
your club," Redknapp said. "Always liked him."
Nelsen is also suffering from injury, with recurring knee problems allowing him just one outing for Blackburn Rovers in the last nine months.
Nelsen was contracted to the Rovers
until mid-2013.
He was recently in New Zealand seeking treatment for his
injury, and is the second veteran to move to Spurs during
the transfer window, with Everton striker Louis Saha also joining
the club.
Spurs scored a 3-1 win over Wigan this morning, moving them to third on the table on 49 points and five behind joint-leaders Manchester United and Manchester City.
That would give Nelsen a great shot at entering next season's illustrious Champion's League if Spurs can maintain their good form for the remainder of their EPL campaign and remain inside the top four.
