Liverpool sign Benfica's Markovic
- adamhigginsuk
- Jul 15, 2014
- 2 min read
Making his name: Markovic scored against Tottenham in the Europa League as Benfica reached a second successive final (Picture from Press Association)
SERBIAN winger Lazar Markovic has completed his £20 million signing to Liverpool from Benfica.
The 20-year-old helped Benfica win the Portuguese Liga and reach the Europa League final last season.
He has won the league title in each of the last four seasons with Benfica and his old club Partizan Belgrade.
Markovic becomes Liverpool's fourth summer signing after Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana from Southampton, as well as Bayer Leverkusen's Emre Can while the Reds loaned out forward Iago Aspas to La Liga outfit Sevilla on Monday.
"I am very happy that I have joined such a great club," Markovic told his new club's official website.
"I hope that I will fulfil the expectations of the supporters, coaches, players, and all connected to the club.
"I have seen what the players are like, I have seen what the supporters are like, and I cannot wait to start playing here.
"I went to Partizan and won the title, I went to Benfica and won the title. Now I have joined Liverpool and want to win the title, 100 per cent."
Markovic made 13 appearances in Europe last season as Benfica overcame an early exit from the Champions League to reach the Europa League final, which they lost on penalties to Sevilla in Turin.
"This is an exciting signing for us and one that improves our squad, in terms of attacking options, for the coming season," Reds boss Brendan Rodgers added.
"He was hugely impressive for Benfica last season and has proved he has the ability to produce the goods in European competition as well, which will be important for us.
"Lazar is flexible to play a number of positions, but I like the way he attacks games and is always positive and looking to make something happen. He will fit in with the way we play at Liverpool.
"Getting him at such a young age is also very pleasing for us, because we will be able to work with him to develop his talent within our group and improve him even further.
"He is the sort of character who is hungry to get better and progress; this is what we look for in players."
Last updated: 15 July 2014
18:10pm
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