Mandaric excited by Mezague signing
Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric believes signing Valery Mezague this week makes his squad the strongest it has ever been in the Premiership.
The midfielder became Pompey’s ninth summer signing after they agreed a season-long loan deal with Montpellier – paying a fee of around £500,000 (€607,700) with a view to a permanent £1.3m (€1.6m) deal.
Mandaric, who was accused by manager Harry Redknapp of delaying negotiations for new players earlier this summer, said: “It’s the most excited I’ve been about the team since I’ve been here.
“We are now bringing in a core of younger players who promise to be our future.
“Valery Mezague’s arrival sums that up. He is young, hungry and full of potential.”
Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie revealed that officials wanted the 21-year-old midfielder to commit his international future to France but the player chose to represent Cameroon.
Storrie said: “France wanted Mezague to play for them, which shows how highly-rated he is. But he chose Cameroon. He’s a very strong player who goes forward well and is a very bright prospect.
"He could be a very good investment.”
The newcomer narrowly escaped death when he fractured his skull in a road accident only a year ago but made a speedy recovery.
He could make his Portsmouth début against Crystal Palace a week from Saturday when manager Harry Redknapp will start assessing how will adapt to Premiership life.
“Obviously, I’m very hopeful he is going to be a big asset,” said Redknapp. The Pompey boss could also have Senegal midfielder Amdy Faye back despite initially being ruled out for three months with knee trouble and failing a medical at Fulham.
Pompey’s new nine: Diomansy Kamara (Modena), Lomana Lua Lua (Newcastle), Andy Griffin (Newcastle), David Unsworth (Everton), Ricardo Fuller (Preston), Aliou Cisse (Birmingham), Jamie Ashdown (Reading), Andrea Guatelli (Parma), Valery Mezague (Montpellier).
