Liverpool complete Johnson signing
Liverpool complete Johnson signing
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By James Christie. |  |
Friday, 26, Jun 2009 10:33
Liverpool have completed the signing of England defender Glen Johnson from Portsmouth for £17.5 million.
The 24-year-old has signed a four-year contract at Anfield, having been in impressive form since moving to Fratton Park in 2007.
Both Chelsea and Manchester City had been interested in signing the defender but Johnson preferred the switch to Anfield.
Johnson had an unsuccessful spell at Stamford Bridge prior to his move to Portsmouth and will be hoping for regular first-team football at Liverpool.
"Manchester City and Chelsea were there - they were making offers," revealed Reds boss Rafael Benitez.
"We had to be quick and the club acted quickly. It was down to the player whether he chose us or City or Chelsea and he chose us.
"It was very clear from talking to him that he wanted to play for Liverpool."
Benitez referred to Johnson as "a player with quality" and said the fact that he is a talented Englishman "is important for the Champions League list".
"We were thinking about improving the team and Johnson is a very good player who will do that," he added.
However, Johnson's arrival could signal the departure of Andrea Doseena and Alvaro Arbeloa as Benitez continues to work under financial constraints at the club.