Liverpool have officially announced the signing of Sevilla left-back Alberto Moreno for a reported £12 million.
"Liverpool FC have today completed the signing of Spanish international defender Alberto Moreno from Sevilla," read a statement on the club's official website.
Although at first, Moreno's move switch to Liverpool was looking unlikely, with Sevilla remaining firm on their £20 million asking price, the two sides reached an agreement following successful talks in Cardiff, where Sevilla were beaten by Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup.
Having already agreed a deal in principle with the Reds, the 22-year-old's move was only subject to some paperwork and other formalities.
Confirmed: #LFC have completed the signing of Alberto Moreno from Sevilla #MorenoLFC pic.twitter.com/OoBTpO8u0G
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 16, 2014
And now having successfully sealed his move, Moreno, who will be wearing the number 18 shirt at Anfield, says that he can't wait to play for Liverpool.
"In my view, Liverpool are the best club in England and I couldn't waste an opportunity to come and play for them," Moreno told the club's official website. "I spoke with Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa and they told me this is a spectacular club whose fans follow it in a very special way."
"They all told me I can grow a lot here as a footballer as this is a massive club. I'm very happy to be joining a club as big as Liverpool. I hope to give my best and do all I can to help."
Brendan Rodgers: "Alberto is a player with huge potential, but he is ready to contribute straight away." #MorenoLFC pic.twitter.com/miXfk7WBfK
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 16, 2014
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers also expressed his delight at having secured the Spaniard's signature, saying that the left-back will be in action right away.
"Alberto is a player with huge potential, but importantly he is also ready to come in and contribute straight away. He is quick, strong and serves the ball really well," the Northern Irishman told Liverpool's official website
"We have monitored him in Spain for some time and every time I have seen him I have been greatly impressed. What is also important is that he is hungry to improve and recognises it is vital to keep learning."
Moreno has become the Reds' eighth signing this summer following the arrivals of Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Dejan Lovren (all from Southampton), Emre Can (Bayer Leverkusen), Lazar Markovic (Benfica), Divock Origi (Lille) and Javier Manquillo (on loan from Atletico Madrid).
