Alisson joins Salah at Liverpool

Liverpool 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 on Thursday.

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," Alisson told liverpoolfc.Com.

"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 said that Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah — also a former Roma player — had encouraged him to join the Anfield giants.

"Yesterday, he sent me a text message saying: 'Hey, what are you waiting for?' As the negotiations were at an advanced stage, I replied to him straight away saying: 'Calm down, I'm on my way!'

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 euros paid by Juventus for Gianluigi Buffon in 2001 and the 40 million euros Manchester City forked out to sign Alisson's compatriot Ederson from Benfica last year.

"At one point in the last few weeks it came up, the opportunity to sign one of the world's best goalkeepers — then it's not a long thought, to be honest, it's only that you need to have a little talk with the owners! They were quite excited, so we did it," said Klopp.

"I think it's something we have to do. He has nothing to do with the price, we have nothing to do with the price, it's the market, that's how it is and we will not think a lot about it.

"It shows the value of goalkeepers, of course, in this moment. It will happen a lot in the next few weeks I guess and that's it, so we are really happy to have him here now.

Klopp was quick, however, to warn fans that Alisson will need time to adapt to life in the Premier League and can still improve further.

Alisson has already experienced the famous Anfield atmosphere, playing there for Roma in last season's Champions League semi-final — which Liverpool won 5-2.

"Yes (the atmosphere) in part it did influence the decision," he said.

VINICIUS BECOMES A BLANCO

Brazilian rising star Vinicius Junior said during his presentation on Friday as a new Real Madrid player that he is keen to prove his worth to coach Julen Lopetegui.

The former Flamengo striker, who was contracted to join the Spanish powerhouse in 2017 but had to wait until his 18th birthday to be transferred from Brazil to Spain, trained with the rest of the squad earlier on under the watchful eye of Lopetegui, reports Efe.

"I chose Real Madrid, and I hope I will be here for many, many years. We are Real Madrid and we always want more," said the young forward during his welcome ceremony attended by club president Florentino Perez.

"I will show the coach and my teammates that I am ready to play. I will try to absorb the tactical aspects as soon as possible. I know the adaptation is not going to be easy, but I am ready to do what is necessary," he said.

He expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to join Real Madrid, saying that this was the greatest opportunity any football player could have.