Dejan Lovren is coming to Liverpool FC to solve problems, and that’s what he’s good at.
Lovren joined Liverpool on Sunday, completing a long-rumored £20 million ($34 million) transfer from Southampton. The Croatian center back will fly to the United States and join his new team early this week.
“It’s a dream come true,” Lovren told 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.
“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 percent on the pitch.”
Lovren is Liverpool’s fifth signing of the summer 2014 transfer window and third from Southampton. Lovren might prove to be the most significant reinforcement of them all.
Liverpool’s defensive record in 2013-14 — 50 goals conceded in 38 games — is an oft-cited reason why its Premier League title bid fell agonizingly short. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said Lovren’s mix of attributes can help rectify those defensive issues.
“This is a very important signing for us,” Rodgers told LiverpoolFC.com. “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.”
Lovren moves to Anfield just one impressive season into his four-year contract at Southampton. Lovren previously played for Lyon in France and Croatia’s Dinamo Zagreb. Lovren also has played 25 games for Croatia’s national team since 2009.
Mauricio Pochettino coached Lovren at Southampton last season. The new Tottenham manager glowingly said Lovren has “quality as a player, has a presence on the field and he’s good at solving difficult situations,” according to LiverpoolFC.com.
Judging from the sounds of things and the sticker price, Lovren seems to fit the bill for Liverpool.
Photo via LiverpoolFC.com
