Dejan Lovren completes transfer to Liverpool

Croatia defender becomes Liverpool's fifth
signing of the summer transfer window
Liverpool have made their fifth signing of this
summer's transfer window with the capture of
central defender Dejan Lovren.
The 25-year-old Croatia international, part of his
country’s 2014 FIFA World Cup squad, has signed
a long-term deal after completing his move for an
undisclosed fee.
"It's a dream come true," he told
www.liverpoolfc.com . "I'm happy and glad to be
here. I'm proud and can't wait to start. I know
we have millions and millions of supporters -
Liverpool is more than a club.
"He is still relatively young, so his peak
years are ahead of him"
Brendan Rodgers
"After I played at Anfield last season, I said to
myself: 'One day I hope I'll be able to play here
for Liverpool'. The fans will know from the first
minute that I'm a player that will give 100% on
the pitch."
Lovren began his professional career at Dinamo
Zagreb, spending four years at the club before
moving to French side Lyon in 2010.
He signed for Southampton last summer and
played key role as the Saints sealed an
impressive eighth-place in the Barclays Premier
League table, making 31 appearances and scoring
two goals, including the winner in the 1-0 victory
over Liverpool at Anfield last September.
Lovren will now fly to the United States to join up
with his new team-mates on their pre-season
tour of the country.
"This is a very important signing for us and I'm
delighted it's completed so Dejan can join up with
us on our US tour," added Liverpool manager
Brendan Rodgers. "He is a commanding and
powerful presence and clearly has leadership
skills, which is important; he fits the profile of
player we are looking for.
"He is still relatively young, so his peak years are
ahead of him and I believe he will improve and
progress even further with us.
"I'm looking forward to him arriving and working
with us as we continue our preparations for the
new season."
Liverpool have now made five signings as they
aim to build on last season's second-place finish.
Three of those signings have come from
Southampton, with Adam Lallana and Rickie
Lambert also moving to Anfield.
The Reds play Southampton in the opening match
of the 2014/15 season on 17 August.