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Dejan Lovren has described his move to Liverpool as a “dream come true” after his £20million switch from Southampton was confirmed.
The Croatia international has created Anfield history, as he becomes the most expensive defender in the club’s history, surpassing the previous £18,6million that Liverpool paid Paris St Germain for Mamadou Sakho last September.

Lovren, who has been Brendan Rodgers No 1 target for central defence all summer, agreed terms on a five-year contract after he completed a medical on Merseyside.

He will now join up with Liverpool on the second half of their United States in either New York – where they play Manchester City on Wednesday – or Charlotte, where AC Milan will be the opponents a week today in the Guinness International Tournament.

Lovren, who joins former Southampton colleagues Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana at Anfield, told liverpoolfc.com: ‘It’s a dream come true. 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 per cent on the pitch.

He added: “I played there last season in front of the crowd singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. That is something very special for every player, every sportsman and every fan. I can’t wait to get started.

“I’m a player that will give 100 per cent and I want to show that to the supporters because they deserve to see players who give 100 per cent. I know it is going to be something special to play in front of the fans at Anfield and I can’t wait.”

Lovren also paid tribute to Brendan Rodgers after the manager guided Liverpool to second place in the Premier League last season.

“We have spoken a little bit,” Lovren said. “Liverpool have already bought five players, so you can see the club has big ambitions to carry on and not stop here. Of course, I want to be part of the club’s ambitions.

“I like his style, it’s amazing and quite similar to Southampton. Their games last year were great, particularly the win at St Mary’s. Liverpool play amazing football so I can’t wait to join up with the team. It is a priviledge to be here.’ — Dailymail