20 Jul 2016

Done Deal: Liverpool sign 'fantastic' 3-time 'Player of the Year' winner for €5m transfer fee

It's official: Liverpool have confirmed the signing of 'fantastic' Augsburg defender Ragnar Klavan^.

According to the LFC website today:

"Klavan has put pen to paper on a...long-term contract with the Reds after successfully passing a medical and agreeing personal terms at Melwood".

Klavan's reaction to completing the deal:

"It’s hard to put it into words, because it’s been a dream of mine for 22 years to come to the Premier League and be a part of this amazing club, Liverpool".

After completing the deal, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp explained why he signed Klavan:

“I've seen up close for three seasons in Germany. The last time he played against us at Dortmund they had 10 men and he defended really well to help them get a clean sheet and a win".

Klopp on Klavan's qualities:

“Defensive intelligence and ability on the ball. He is a left-footed player so will give us extra balance. Very good player but the type of mentality and person who is coming here to fight and to win".

If Klopp genuinely gives Klavan a chance to become a regular for the club (i.e. he keeps him in the team if he plays well), then the Estonian could potentially be astute signing. Positives:

* Experience: 108 caps for Estonia.

* Leadership: Captain of the Estonia national team.

* Ability: Three-time winner of the nation's 'Player of the Year' award.

* Robust: Missed just 8 games through injury since 2009.

Klavan claims that moving to Liverpool is a 'dream', but Rickie Lambert said exactly the same when he signed for the club, and that dream quickly turned into a nightmare.

If Lovren, Matip, and Sakho remain fit, I doubt Klavan will get more than 5-8 starts all season, which will be tough for him to take after being an everpresent (when fit) in the Bundesliga.

If Klavan's dream turns into a bench-bound nightmare, he'll have no one to blame but himself.

^ €5m transfer fee. Three-time 'Player of the Year' winner.


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