Rodgers’ pursuit of the ‘keeper finally pays off.
Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has finally completed his move to Liverpool from Sunderland for a fee of £9m.
The Belgian has signed a long-term deal with the Reds having completed a medical on Tuesday and will now compete with Jose Reina for the No.1 jersey.
“I am delighted that we have been able to sign one of the top goalkeepers in the Barclays Premier League,” manager Brendan Rodgers told the club’s website.
“Simon will join a club that will give him an opportunity to demonstrate and improve his huge talent.”
Mignolet becomes the fourth signing at Anfield in the close season, following the arrival of Kolo Toure from Manchester City on a free transfer and Spanish duo Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto from Celta Vigo and Sevilla respectively.
The 25-year-old has earned a glowing reputation at the Stadium of Light since arriving at the Black Cats three years ago in a £2m switch.
Since then the Belgium international has played 101 times for the north east club and was one of their best players during a disappointing campaign in 2012/13.
Despite Sunderland’s battle to avoid relegation, Mignolet was in fine form and managed to keep 11 clean sheets in 40 matches last term.
The arrival of the ‘keeper casts further doubts over Reina’s future on Merseyside, with the Spaniard having been linked with a move to Barcelona.
It will be difficult for Rodgers to keep both the 30-year-old and Mignolet happy at the club and therefore a transfer away from Liverpool for the Spain international is a likely prospect.
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