adminLONDON. — Adam Lallana has completed his £25m move from Southampton to Liverpool. Lallana (26) is manager Brendan Rodgers’ second signing of the summer, joining former team-mate Rickie Lambert at Anfield on a long-term deal.
The midfielder, who played for England during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, made 265 appearances for Saints.
“I am so excited for the next chapter of my career, coming to a special club like Liverpool,” said Lallana who passed a medical at the weekend.
“Hopefully I can settle in quickly and I will give it my best throughout the whole time I’m here. “I hope I can add something to the team and hopefully we can win trophies while I’m here, because that’s why I’m here – for success.” Lallana, who will wear the number 20 shirt at Liverpool, earned a place on the PFA’s Premier League team of the year for his performances last season, when he was ever present for Southampton, scoring nine goals.
Liverpool open their English Premier League campaign against Southampton at Anfield on August 16.
With Luke Shaw also leaving in a £27m transfer to Manchester United, it has been a summer of change at Saints who announced Ronald Koeman as their new manager in June following Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment as Tottenham boss. However, the club are adamant the income received from the transfer would be reinvested in the squad.
“Southampton Football Club can confirm that Adam Lallana has completed his transfer to Liverpool,” said a statement on saintsfc.co.uk.
“The fee received from Liverpool, although undisclosed, will allow the club to further develop the first-team squad for the 2014-2015 season.”
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s agent has rejected talk linking the Arsenal midfielder with a possible move to Athletic Bilbao.
Reports emanating from Spain have claimed Bilbao are lining up a move for Arteta as a replacement for Ander Herrera following his departure to Manchester United.
Arteta’s long-term future at Arsenal has been the subject of speculation, with the 32-year-old entering the final year of his contract and as yet no talks over a new deal. — BBC Sport.
Online Reporter