Liverpool have officially announced the signing of Emre Can from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported transfer fee of £9.75m.
Although the Reds had already agreed a deal in principle for Can, after triggering the buy-out clause in his contract, nearly a month ago, the German midfielder's move has finally been finalised following the completion of the necessary paperwork and documentation.
"Liverpool Football Club have today completed the transfer of Emre Can from Bayer Leverkusen. The Reds agreed a deal in principle for the versatile midfielder last month, and the necessary documentation has now been finalised," read a statement in Liverpool's official website.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who has become become Liverpool's third summer signing after Southampton's Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana, expressed his delight after sealing a move to the Merseyside club.
"I am proud to be a part of the family and I am looking forward to playing here. I will give it my best. LFC is a great club and the fans are amongst the best in the world. I am looking forward to the first game and can't wait to step on the pitch for the first time at Anfield," Can told Liverpool's official website.
Although Can was being targeted by a lot of other clubs, he says that he chose to join Liverpool after having "a very good chat" with manager Brendan Rodgers.
"Yes, it was an easy decision for me to sign with Liverpool as I had a very good chat with the manager, which clearly showed that the club and he wanted to sign me. This was important for me. I can say it was an easy decision for me."
Despite being able to play in a number of positions, Can admits that he is more comfortable playing in the central midfield position.
"I personally see myself as a central midfielder, that is where I feel most comfortable, but I can also play a variety of other positions. At the end of the day, it's the manager's decision on where to play me," he added.
Meanwhile Liverpool boss Rodgers also expressed his pleasure at having successfully sealed the transfer of the young German.
"Emre is an exciting young talent and I'm delighted he's chosen Liverpool for the next phase of his development and growth as a player," Rodgers told the club's official website.
"He has recognised that we are a club that improves and nurtures exciting, ambitious players and I'm looking forward to seeing him take those next steps forward for us."
