Alisson completes Liverpool transfer from Roma in world-record £65million deal

Liverpool have completed the signing of goalkeeper Alisson from Roma.

The Brazilian moves to Anfield on a six-year contract after the Reds hierarchy stumped up £65million to lure him to Merseyside – a world-record fee for a goalkeeper.

Liverpool fought off competition from Chelsea to land the highly-rated 25-year-old who featured for Brazil in the World Cup.

Alisson played against the Reds in last season’s Champions League semi-final as Jurgen Klopp’s men came through a two-legged tie against Roma.

But he is now a Liverpool player and represents a huge coup for the club following the struggles of Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet at Anfield.

Alisson said: “I’m really happy, it’s a dream come true to wear such a prestigious shirt for a club of this size that is used to always winning.

“In terms of my life and my career, it’s a huge step for me being part of this club and this family.

“You can be certain that I’ll give my all.”

Kop boss Jurgen Klopp backed Karius to recover from the howlers but he has been wanted to sign Alisson for some time.

The Reds first registered their interest back in January with Roma but were informed it would take a massive offer to take him from the Serie A side.

Roma were not in a position that they desperately needed to sell and they also did not want to let him go cheaply after being left frustrated at the price they sold Mohamed Salah’s last summer.

And Alisson has revealed how a message from his former teammate convinced him to move to Anfield.

Alisson said: “Yesterday, he sent me a message saying: ‘Hey, what are you waiting for?’ As the negotiations were at an advanced stage, I replied to him straight away saying: ‘Calm down, I’m on my way!’

“I’m really happy to have the opportunity to play alongside him again. As well as being a great player, he is a huge character and a great person – which is the most important thing.

“To be with these great people and players day to day is fantastic for me.”

Liverpool had a bid of around £62m rejected on Tuesday before sporting director Michael continued negotiations on Wednesday.

Both clubs came to an agreement which will see Liverpool pay around £57m up front plus a further £8m in add-ons.

Alisson arrived on Merseyside on Wednesday night before undergoing a medical.

He jetted back to Italy tonight where he will resume his holiday before linking up with his new team-mates for a four-day pre-season training camp in France on July 30.