Liverpool completes signing of Southampton midfielder Lallana

Liverpool completes signing of Southampton midfielder Lallana

Published Jul. 1, 2014 7:11 a.m. ET

Liverpool have completed the signing of England and Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana.

The 26-year-old underwent a medical at the Reds' Melwood training ground on Friday after Southampton accepted a bid, believed to be £25million, for the player.

Liverpool spent the weekend finalizing the details of Lallana's contract, understood to be five years in length, and have now confirmed the deal has been concluded after all the necessary paperwork was completed.

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Lallana is Brendan Rodgers' third signing of the summer following to Anfield Saints team-mate Rickie Lambert and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder EmreCan, whose move from Germany will be ratified on Tuesday with the official opening of the transfer window for registrations.

"I'm so excited for the next chapter of my career, coming to a special club like Liverpool," Lallana told liverpoolfc.com.

"I'm quite humbled and I just can't wait to get started.

"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."

At the end of last season, when Liverpool finished second to Manchester City in the Premier League, Lallana was identified as a primary target for Rodgers.

After a protracted bidding process, held up by the midfielder's involvement at the World Cup and Southampton's change of manager, the Reds boss now has his man.

"We are delighted to have secured the services of one of the Premier League's top talents in signing Adam Lallana," Rodgers told liverpoolfc.com.

"What is apparent about Adam is that his character is on a par with his talent.

"He is an exceptional young man and someone who has a love for the game - and, most importantly, a desire to progress and improve.

"Adam is motivated by being the best he can be and being part of something special. We believe he fits right in with what we are trying to do at Liverpool.

"We have seen, over the past two seasons in the Premier League, he has a tactical awareness to adapt to what is required of him and to put the team above his personal ambitions.

"He has leadership skills and personal qualities that make him a special commodity and I am delighted we have acted decisively to make sure he is wearing a Liverpool shirt next season.

"Adam is aware there will be great competition for places at this club and he is hungry to improve further.

"We are confident he will fit perfectly with the culture we have at Liverpool.

"I'm excited about working with Adam and helping him to progress even further."

In a brief statement Southampton said the income received from the transfer would be reinvested in their 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."

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