Liverpool seal Alberto deal

Liverpool seal Alberto deal

Published Jun. 22, 2013 9:15 a.m. ET

Maximilian Arnold feels like he is living a dream after putting pen to paper on a new four-year contract with Wolfsburg.

The midfielder, who became the youngest player to appear for the Lower Saxony club at the age of 17 in 2011, and then became their youngest goalscorer last season, committed his long-term future to the Bundesliga club on Friday.

"If he carries on the way he is going, he will play a leading role with us," commented Wolfsburg's director of sport Klaus Allofs.

"He has developed really well, but is far from reaching his peak.

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"Maximilian has shown that he has a great deal of potential and that he can be an important element of our team in the near future."

Arnold scored three times in six games last season, emerging towards the back end of the campaign under coach Dieter Hecking.

"It all feels a bit like a dream," said the 19-year-old on his club's website. "I always dreamed of becoming a professional since I was a young boy and I am really pleased and happy with the way things have gone so far with Wolfsburg.

"I will not be resting on my laurels but will give it everything each day to improve step by step."

The 20-year-old has signed a long-term contract with the Anfield club after passing a medical, with the deal still subject to international clearance.

Alberto, capped at several levels of youth football by Spain, spent last season on loan with Barcelona B, where he scored 11 goals and collected 17 assists in 38 appearances.

"We are all delighted that Luis has decided to join Liverpool," Reds manager Brendan Rodgers said.

"He has the correct footballing profile and mentality to be a Liverpool player.

"I look forward to working with him to develop his talent and he joins a group of young exciting players at our club."

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