Liverpool have completed the signing of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Arsenal in a deal believed to be worth up to £35million.
The Merseyside club have announced the 24-year-old England midfielder has signed a long-term deal, understood to be five years, at Anfield.
Liverpool moved for Oxlade-Chamberlain this week after the player reportedly turned down the chance to join Chelsea.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is currently on international duty, underwent a medical at England’s St George’s Park training base after agreeing terms with the Reds.
Looking the part, @Alex_OxChambo. 🔴 pic.twitter.com/6rh3RHHvZH
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 31, 2017
“I’m currently away with England, so I’m at St George’s Park.
“Firstly, I’m delighted to have signed for Liverpool and a big thank-you to everyone here at the FA that has made this possible, using the facilities. It has been a massive help.
“I’m not going to say too much today; I’m here with England and we’ve got two big games coming up, so I want to focus on them. But I can’t wait to get to Melwood and you’ll hear first from me on LFCTV.”
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is delighted to have completed the move for a player he revealed he’s been keeping a close eye on since 2014.
“I am really, really happy we have got Alex signed. Since the last game I have been waiting and hoping we could make this transfer – and when I got the news he was ours it was fantastic,” Klopp said.
“I remember the first time I saw him play live – it was at Dortmund in 2014 and he came on as a sub that day and made a big impact. He stood out immediately because of his pace and skills and his attitude in such a big game for a young player; I remember him chasing back to make a brilliant challenge on Mkhitaryan in the box to save a certain goal.
“We won that game but lost the return match at Arsenal when he started and played well, I think he hit the post. Since then I have followed him and when I heard it may be possible to sign him I didn’t need to think twice.
“I hear a lot of talk about positions but let’s talk about the player; he is someone with really good abilities who always gives everything for his team. A player that is positive and willing to take risks to try and make positive things happen.
Oxlade-Chamberlain playing against Liverpool last weekend
“He may still be young but he has a lot of experience in the Premier League, Champions League and for his country. Already he is a very, very good player and I think he has the mentality and desire to get even better – and that excites me.
“This is someone making a tough decision to leave one great club and come to another great club and I think he had many options, so to get him means I am delighted.
“He didn’t make an easy decision but I think he made a great one to go on this journey with this squad of talented boys and our great supporters. I welcome him to the Liverpool family.”
