Liverpool sign Xabi replacement

limpper SG

According to sources close to Empire of the Kop Liverpool-bound midfielder Alberto Aquilani has had some problems with his medical examination which may break down a deal for the Italian.

It has not been confirmed what the problem is but questions have been raised over the injury-prone players fitness ever since he was linked with a move to Anfield in the early part of this transfer window. If the player fails to pass a medical it may cause the deal to be called off or Liverpool may ask for a reduced price for the player due to the risk involved with taking a player with medical problems.

Whatever the result it is a concern for all Liverpool fans with no current replacement for Alonso other than Brazilian Lucas Leiva who was average at best in the reds’ last league campaign.

limpper SG

Alberto Aquilani : Will complete his medical and become a Liverpool player shortly although late reports indicate that the medical might not have gone well.

zocoss SG

Wah, this guy is like well known or getting better known for being an injury prone player than actually a good player... He is like... get injured easily kind...

His recored playing for Roma is also not too great... On average, he like have about 9 Serie A starts for the last 3 years... I think Roma must be happy to get him off their hands... and the $20m can come in real handy...

Not sure if he can handle the more quick and robust EPL or not... or maybe next season he will be asking to go back to Italy too...

Already Goal.com Italy's Sergio Stanco has warned Anfield fans that they could be chasing "another Andrea Dossena".

limpper SG

Liverpool have completed the signing of Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani after a successful medical.

Liverpool had a bid of around £20million for Aquilani accepted by Roma on Wednesday before the player headed to Merseyside for a medical and contract talks.

The now former Roma man is expected to be at Anfield on Saturday to witness his new team-mates take on Atletico Madrid in the club's final pre-season friendly before next weekend's big kick-off.

Aquilani dispelled fears over the ankle injury that needed surgery this summer and restricted his appearances for the Serie A club last season.

But he will not be fit to face Tottenham next Sunday in the Premier League season opener at White Hart Lane.

Announcing the deal on the club website, a Liverpool statement read: "Liverpool FC confirmed this evening that Alberto Aquilani has successfully completed a medical and agreed a 5-year contract with the club.

"The player will now continue his rehabilitation from an ankle operation under the guidance of Liverpool's medical team and is expected to be fully fit in approximately 4-8 weeks time."

Aquilani is believed to be earning around £80,000 a week.

zocoss SG

I think he will compete with Gerrard and Torres on who gets injured more in the squad... Already he will be out for the next 2 months... And the quick and robust EPL is not going to be kind with him...

limpper SG

LONDON, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Liverpool confirmed the signing of AS Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani on a five-year contract on Friday after he passed a medical.

The 25-year-old Italy player has been bought by manager Rafa Benitez as a replacement for Xabi Alonso who returned to his native Spain to join Real Madrid on Tuesday.

No financial details were given but British media estimated the transfer fee at 20 million pounds ($33.52 million).

Aquilani suffered an injury-hit campaign with Serie A side Roma last season and is recovering from ankle surgery in May.

"The player will now continue his rehabilitation from an ankle operation under the guidance of Liverpool's medical team and is expected to be fully fit in approximately four to eight weeks' time," said a statement on www.liverpoolfc.tv.

Aquilani is Liverpool's second major signing of the close season after Portsmouth's England right-back Glen Johnson joined the Premier League club in June.

ASKL! SG

This is great news!

Now Liverpool just need one more striker... and of course.. Left wing..

limpper SG

Liverpool fans won't see new signing Alberto Aquilani in action for at least eight weeks.

The Daily Mail says Aquilani, Liverpool’s new £20million signing, has been ruled out for up to two months with a damaged ankle.

Aquilani, 25, whose transfer from Roma was competed last night, passed a lengthy medical but was told he was still several weeks from being match fit following surgery.

The verdict underlined the risk element in the deal. His latest setback flared up late last season and he had surgery in May. Anfield sources said he would be out for ‘between four and eight weeks.

limpper SG

Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani has passed a medical and agreed a five-year contract with Liverpool.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez identified Italy international Aquilani as his preferred replacement for Xabi Alonso, who joined Real Madrid for around £30million earlier this week.

Liverpool had a bid of around £20million for Aquilani accepted by Roma on Wednesday before the player headed to Merseyside for a medical and contract talks.

The now former Roma man is expected to be at Anfield on Saturday to witness his new team-mates take on Atletico Madrid in the club's final pre-season friendly before next weekend's big kick-off.

Aquilani dispelled fears over the ankle injury that needed surgery this summer and restricted his appearances for the Serie A club last season.

But he will not be fit to face Tottenham next Sunday in the Premier League season opener at White Hart Lane.

"The player will now continue his rehabilitation from an ankle operation under the guidance of Liverpool's medical team and is expected to be fully fit in approximately 4-8 weeks time."

Aquilani is believed to be earning around £80,000 a week.

- Football365