LIVERPOOL: Liverpool on Friday signed Brazil goalkeeper Alisson from Roma in a world record deal valued at 72.5 million euros by the Italian club. “The 25-year-old signed a long-term contract with the Reds after undergoing a medical and completing the formalities of his switch at (training centre) Melwood today,” said the Liverpool website. Roma confirmed the value of the transfer for Alisson who featured at the World Cup in Russia. “AS Roma can confirm that Alisson Becker has completed his move to Liverpool, in a deal that could be worth up to 72.5 million euros,” the Serie A club said on Twitter. Alisson is a key signing for Jurgen Klopp who was desperate for a new goalkeeper to replace Loris Karius following his calamitous Champions League final performance against Real Madrid. Chelsea were also linked with Alisson who began his career with Internacional in Brazil before moving to Roma two years ago. “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,” Alisson told liverpoolfc.com. Alisson said that Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah, also a former Roma player, had encouraged him to join the Anfield giants. “Alisson becomes Klopp’s fourth summer signing after Naby Keita, Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri. The fee beats the previous record for a goalkeeper of €53 million by Juventus for Gianluigi Buffon in 2001 and the €40 million Manchester City forked out to sign Alisson’s compatriot Ederson from Benfica last year. Published in Daily Times, July 21st 2018.