Alisson completes world record move to Liverpool as Roma goalkeeper joins Reds in deal worth £65m

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James Benge7 August 2018

Liverpool have completed the signing of Brazil goalkeeper Alisson for a world record fee.

The Brazilian international was at the club’s Melwood training ground today to undergo a medical, the final step in a switch worth up to £65m, a fe that constitutes a world record deal for a goalkeeper, and his arrival was confirmed at 10pm UK time.

Before Liverpool formally announced the deal Roma had paid tribute to the departing Alisson in a post on their Twitter feed, saying: “Thank you and good luck with your new adventure.”

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.

Liverpool FC via Getty Images

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."

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp pronounced himself "very pleased" after a 2-0 friendly win over Blackburn, adding: "We didn't sign him because he's good-looking, a nice fella, his English is good. We signed him because he's a world-class goalkeeper.

"We are really happy that the club gave us the opportunity to do so."

Roma sporting director Monchi had insisted earlier today that the club could not say no to Liverpool's advances, a year after they so dramatically strengthened the Reds by selling them Mohamed Salah.

“The offer was way above the market average – it was very significant,” Monchi said of the deal, worth an initial £56m, a fee which massively eclipses the previous record paid by Juventus for Gianluigi Buffon in 2001.

Liverpool FC via Getty Images

“We weighed up the pros and cons and decided to speak to Liverpool in order to come to an agreement. Does it show a lack of ambition? Not for me. Our ambition remains unchanged.”

Alisson's arrival will offer a major boost to Liverpool's title challenge next season and will surely provide an update on the much-maligned Loris Karius.

Klopp dodged questions over the future of Karius and Simon Mignolet, saying: "Liverpool need the highest quality goalkeepers and that's what we have at the moment. We'll see what we do in the next few weeks.

"Loris played outstandingly tonight... In this moment we have three outstanding goalkeepers... we need that."

Alisson's arrival will not be a move welcomed by Chelsea, who had hoped to sign the Brazilian themselves. With Thibaut Courtois bound for Real Madrid they have now been compelled to look elsewhere, with Gianluigi Donnarumma of AC Milan and Leicester's Kasper Schmeichel among the contenders to join them.

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