Liverpool are close to the signing of Sevilla’s highly-rated left back Alberto Moreno.
The 22-year-old Spaniard, who made Spain’s initial 30-man World Cup squad but didn’t make the final cut, is set to have a medical and will agree personal terms at Anfield in the coming days.
Brendan Rodgers’ side will pay $20 million for Moreno who has come through the academy at Sevilla and shone over the past two seasons in La Liga. On Tuesday he was in Cardiff as Sevilla lost 2-0 to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup and the entire squad and coaching staff said an emotional goodbye to Moreno who was said to be extremely popular after coming through the youth and reserve teams in Andalucia.
A short statement announcing the deal had been agreed for Moreno’s transfer was placed on Liverpool’s website.Liverpool can confirm they have reached an agreement with Sevilla for the transfer of Spain international full-back Alberto Moreno.
The Reds will proceed with the formalities of finalizing the deal for the 22-year-old over the coming days and will make no further announcement until it is complete.
Moreno’s signing fits in with Rodgers’ philosophy and the way he has bolstered his ranks this summer. Alongside the likes of Lazar Markovic, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Divock Origi and Javier Manquillo, Moreno is young, has experience at the top level under his belt and plays the ‘Liverpool way’ which Rodgers has fostered over the past two seasons. The aforementioned quintet are all under the age of 26 and Rodgers will now sculpt them into playing the attacking, free flowing soccer fans of the Reds love to watch.
Liverpool’s problem area last season was in defense as they conceded 50 goals in 38 PL games but with the addition of Lovren and now Moreno set to join, Rodgers has addressed where he needed to strengthen. Defense. The only question now is as to what Liverpool’s best back four looks like. Glen Johnson or Jon Flanagan at right back? Lovren, Mamadou Sakho, Kolo Toure, Daniel Agger or Martin Skrtel at center back? Moreno or Jose Enrique at left back?
Whoever lines up at the back for Liverpool, this season they have plenty of options in defense. That certainly wasn’t the case last term.