Liverpool have completed the £20million signing of Roma playmaker Alberto Aquilani. The 25 year-old has signed a five-year deal at Anfield, reportedly worth £80,000 a week. Aquilani currently has an ankle injury and has just undergone an operation, hes expected to be out for up to eight weeks.
The Italian international has been brought in to replace Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso, who completed his £30million move Real Madrid on Wednesday. The midfield star is more attack-minded than Alonso and will provide vision and creative to go with Steven Gerrard’s drive and determination.
He leaves his boyhood club after making 147 appearances Giallorossi. It’s believed that he turned down contract offers from English clubs Arsenal and Chelsea to sign his first professional contract at the Stadio Olimpico. He made his debut at Roma under current England boss Fabio Capello at the age of just 18. He was also part of the Italian squad at Euro 2008, appearing against France as a substitute and starting in the quarter-final defeat by Spain.
Meanwhile Liverpool are being linked with Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin as a replacement for the departed Sami Hyypia. However Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie has revealed that the club do not wish to sell anymore of their stars, after the sales of Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson this summer.
Also Get the very Latest Football Transfer News, Rumours and Gossip direct to your email.