Sevilla left back Alberto Moreno signs for Liverpool in £12m deal

Premier League fifth-favourites Liverpool (an industry price best 12/1) have signed Sevilla’s Spanish left back Alberto Moreno on a long-term contract for a fee of £12m.

The 22-year-old was present at his former side’s 2-0 loss in the UEFA Super Cup with Real Madrid in Cardiff, watching from the sidelines, and later pictured in tears as he said goodbye to his teammates and fans.

Moreno, who has represented his country three times and made Vicente del Bosque’s provisional World Cup squad, is now officially a Reds player, after passing a medical at Melwood and agreeing personal terms. He was pictured training with his new Reds teammates, but signed too late to feature in their Premier League opener at Anfield against Southampton.

Arriving at Liverpool off the back of a successful season with Sevilla that saw him win the Europa League last term, Moreno played the full 120 minutes of that final with Benfica, and made 44 appearances in all competitions.

He becomes Brendan Rodgers’ eighth signing this transfer window, after Southampton trio Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren, as well as Lazar Markovic, Emre Can, Divock Origi and fellow Spanish full back Javier Manquillo on loan.

The move comes mere days after Liverpool youth graduate Martin Kelly joined Crystal Palace for an initial £1.5m. Moreno will be challenged for a place on the left side of defence by another Spaniard Jose Enrique. Jon Flanagan, who is currently out injured, and Glen Johnson also featured there last season.

Speaking to the Reds’ official website, Moreno said: “In my view, Liverpool are the best club in England and I couldn’t waste an opportunity to come and play for them.

“I spoke with Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa and they told me this is a spectacular club whose fans follow it in a very special way.

“They all told me I can grow a lot here as a footballer as this is a massive club. I’m very happy to be joining a club as big as Liverpool. I hope to give my best and do all I can to help.”