Liverpool made Jordan Henderson the club's first signing of the summer on Thursday, capturing the England midfielder from Premier League rival Sunderland.
Henderson completed his move to Anfield by signing what the club said was a ''long-term deal.'' The fee was not disclosed but is reported to be worth 20 million pounds ($33 million).
''I'm over the moon, overjoyed to be here and I'm really looking forward to it,'' Henderson told the Liverpool website. ''I cannot wait to play at Anfield in front of the Liverpool fans and everything. I'm just excited and I want to get going.''
The 20-year-old midfielder, whose one and only cap for England came last November against France, is currently away with the national side's under-21 team for this month's European championship in Denmark.
Henderson will provide stiff competition in the center of Liverpool's midfield, which already boasts international Steven Gerrard, Lucas Leiva, Raul Meireles and Christian Poulsen as well as youngsters Jonjo Shelvey and Jay Spearing.
''Coming to a massive club like Liverpool, there is always going to be competition,'' Henderson said. ''Hopefully I can keep working hard, keep improving, and get my chance on the pitch.
''(Gerrard) is one of the best players in the world, you want to be playing with him and training with him to try and improve yourself as a player. Hopefully I can learn a lot from him.''
Liverpool has also been linked with Blackpool captain Charlie Adam, whose side was relegated from the Premier League last season.
