Bolton Sign Duo On Pre-Contract Agreement

By Mark Heys
February 9 2007

Bolton Wanderers have added to their squad with next season in mind after announcing the double capture of centre half Gerald Cid and midfielder Blerim Dzemaili.

FC Zurich captain Dzemaili is rated as one of the best young defensive midfielders in Europe and Wanderers fought hard to beat off strong competition from AC Milan, Juventus and Wolfsberg to land the Swiss international.

On the other hand, Cid is a centre half who has spent the past five years with Bordeaux either side of a year long loan spell with Istres in the 2005-2006 season and he is described as one of France's most up and coming defenders.

Speaking of the Dzemaili capture, Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce was keen to have aquired such an in demand player.

"We have moved quickly to sign one of the most promising defensive midfielders in Europe. Blerim is a fantastic player, who has played for the best team in Switzerland for the past three years. For someone so young, he has a wealth of experience."

"At the tender age of 20, he is the skipper of FC Zurich and is expected to become a regular international for Switzerland in the years ahead. He has hardly missed a game for FC Zurich since he started playing for them at the age of 17. I am excited by the prospect of working with Blerim next season

Allardyce was also excited at the prospect of welcoming defender Cid to the Reebok Stadium in the summer.

"We have been monitoring Gerald for quite some time and our scouts have rated him as one of the best young defenders in France,"

"For someone so young, he has made a major impact in the French League, which is unprecedented. In France defenders tend to be over 25 in the top flight and Gerald has bucked the trend with some impressive performances"

Dzemaili has signed a two year contract at Bolton whilst Cid has signed an agreement lasting four years.

Walking Down The Manny Road would like to welcome both players to Bolton.