Nathaniel Clyne (l) in action against Aston Villa. PHOTO/File
LONDON, July 1- Nathaniel Clyne has become the latest pre-season arrival at Anfield after Liverpool confirmed on Wednesday they had signed the England defender from Premier League rivals Southampton.
A Liverpool statement said the full-back had “penned a long-term contract with the Reds”. No fee was disclosed.
However, British media outlets reported that Clyne had signed a five-year deal worth £10 million ($16 million, 14 million euros) up front, with add-ons for the 24-year-old set to cost Liverpool a further £2 million.
Clyne is the sixth player to join Liverpool this pre-season following Bolton goalkeeper Adam Bogdan, Charlton defender Joe Gomez, Manchester City midfielder James Milner, Burnley striker Danny Ings and Hoffenheim forward Roberto Firmino.
Clyne made 94 Premier League appearances for Southampton in a three-year spell with the south coast club and scored for the Saints at Anfield on the opening weekend of last term in a 2-1 win for Liverpool.
His form saw Clyne win the first of his five England caps in a match against Slovenia in November 2014.
“I’m delighted and it’s a dream move for me to come here and play for such a big club with all of its history. I can’t wait to get started.” Clyne told Liverpool’s website after completing his move to the five-times European champions.
“As soon as Liverpool showed their interest in me, I was happy and just wanted the deal to go through.
“The gaffer (Brendan Rodgers) has shown a lot of interest in me and this is a place where I can improve as a player, I think. It’s definitely a good opportunity to come here and try to fulfil my potential.
“I’ve played at Anfield before and know what the atmosphere is all about. It’s a great atmosphere and will make me rise to the challenge. I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully it can push me on to putting on good performances.”
Liverpool finished a disappointing sixth last season, out of the Champions League places, having ended the previous campaign as runners-up, and manager Rodgers has been rebuilding his squad in the hope of again mounting a sustained title challenge.
