Egyptian speedster Mohamed Salah has completed his big money move from Roma…
Liverpool have finally confirmed the capture of long-term target Mohamed Salah.
A statement published on the official website on Thursday evening began: “Liverpool Football Club have completed the signing of Mohamed Salah from AS Roma.
“The 25-year-old agreed a long-term contract with the Reds on Thursday after completing a medical. He will officially become an LFC player on July 1, 2017.”
According to Sky Sports, the former Chelsea attacker has signed a five-year deal with the fee worth upwards of £34.3million.
The transfer of Salah, whom the Reds first tried to sign in January 2014, comes almost three-weeks after an initial £28m offer was rejected.
Asked how it felt to join Liverpool shortly after putting pen to paper, Salah remarked “I’m very excited to be here. I’m very happy. I was in Egypt and I came two days ago. I was in Liverpool and I just signed one hour ago.
“Now I’m here and I’m very happy to be here. I would like to win something with the club. Everyone knows the club is very big. We have to do something for the fans and win something.”
Salah, who scored 29 goals in 65 Serie A appearances for Roma, will wear the No.11 shirt during his debut campaign on Merseyside after previous incumbent Roberto Firmino switched to No.9.
The Egyptian, who moved to Chelsea from Basel before initially leaving Stamford Bridge for Fiorentina on loan, also boasts an impressive strike-rate at international level with his 52 caps yielding 29 goals.
Anfield boss Jürgen Klopp has hailed Salah’s arrival as an ‘exciting signing’, telling Liverpoolfc.com: “Mohamed has the perfect mix of experience and potential – this is a really exciting signing for us.
“He knows the Premier League, he has pedigree in the Champions League and he is one of the most important players for his country.
“His record in Italy has been outstanding and he possesses qualities that will enhance our team and squad. I have followed him since he emerged at Basel and he has matured into a really good player.
“His pace is incredible, he gives us more attacking threat and we are already strong in this area. I like that we will make it even more competitive.
“Most important though, for us, is that he is hungry, willing and eager to be even better and improve further. He believes in what we are trying to do here at Liverpool and is extremely keen to be part of it.”
Vital Comment
It’s great to get this deal over the line and in doing so Liverpool have acquired a dangerous player who will get fans out of their seats. The prospect of his pace and directness coupled with that of Sadio Mané, and supplemented by the guile of Philippe Coutinho, will frighten many a defence next season. After the Virgil van Dijk saga everyone connected with the Merseysiders needed some positivity and, if the fee quoted is correct (some sources in Italy suggest the final figure could actually reach as much as £44m), those involved in negotiations should give themselves a well-earned pat on the back.
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