Liverpool: Liverpool have signed Friday Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson from Roma in a world record deal valued at 72.5 million euros by the Italian club. “The 25-year-old signed a long-term contract with the Reds after undergoing a medical and completing the formalities of his switch at (training centre) Melwood today,” said the Liverpool website.
The fee beats the previous record for a goalkeeper of 53 million euros paid by Juventus for Gianluigi Buffon in 2001 and the 40 million euros Manchester City forked out to sign Alisson’s compatriot Ederson from Benfica last year. Alisson also became Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp’s fourth summer signing after Naby Keita, Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri.
Speaking about his new club, Alisson said, “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 liverpoolfc.com. “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.”
Alisson also informed that Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah — also a former Roma player — had encouraged him to join the Anfield giants. “Yesterday, he sent me a text message saying: ‘Hey, what are you waiting for?’ As the negotiations were at an advanced stage, I replied to him straight away saying: ‘Calm down, I’m on my way!’
Klopp heaped praise for the goalie and said, “His English is surprisingly good and he is a real personality. He has meanwhile a lot of experience in the last few years, in Europe and in Rome, he’s played there on an outstandingly high level and he did the same at the World Cup.” However, the German was quick to warn fans that Alisson needs time to adapt to life in the Premier League and can still improve further.