Liverpool confirm record Alisson signing

Liverpool have officially announced the signing of Alisson Becker from Roma for an estimated £66.6million – a record fee for a goalkeeper.

The Reds’ interest in the Brazil no.1 emerged at the beginning of the year but they initially informed the players’ agents they did not intend to make an offer, fearful that they would be overcharged after signing Mohamed Salah from the Serie A side for a relative snip (£37million) last summer.

However, Loris Karius has failed to convince Jurgen Klopp that he has what it takes to become his permanent number one after following up his Champions League final errors with a jittery start to pre-season.

Karius’ struggles, together with growing interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea, prompted the club to change their stance, and this week they submitted an initial £62million offer before upping their bid to meet Roma’s price tag.

The fee includes £9million in possible add-ons which are dependent upon how Liverpool fare in the league and in Europe.

Alisson, who had his heart set on a move to Anfield after speaking with Jurgen Klopp and compatriot Roberto Firmino, flew into Merseyside on Wednesday evening and completed his medical on Thursday.

He then conducted his media duties at Melwood and put pen to paper on a six-year-deal.

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“I’m really happy, it’s a dream come true to wear such a prestigious shirt for a club of this size that is used to always winning,” Alisson told the club website after making his move official.

“In terms of my life and my career, it’s a huge step for me being part of this club and this family. You can be certain that I’ll give my all.”

The move is considered a significant statement of Liverpool’s ambition and is aimed at solving a long-term goalkeeping problem.

x https://t.co/t4msWAm2sU pic.twitter.com/jTq9gqOFI4

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 19, 2018

Alisson enjoyed an excellent 2017/18 season at the Stadio Olimpico and attracted serious interest from Real Madrid, as well as Chelsea, before sealing his switch to Anfield.

He becomes the club’s fourth new arrival of the summer, following the additions of Naby Keita, Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri.

It is unclear whether Liverpool, who have now spent around £123million in this transfer window, will now halt their recruitment or whether they will seek to resurrect a deal for Lyon’s Nabil Fekir in the coming weeks.

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Source: anfieldhq.com