Kuijt aiming high at Liverpool

The Netherlands forward Dirk Kuijt has joined Liverpool FC from Feyenoord on a four-year contract after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms at Anfield today. Although neither club has disclosed the fee, reports in both countries suggest it is in the region of €15m.

'Fantastic finisher'
Liverpool coach Rafael Benítez had long been on the 26-year-old's trail, and finally made a firm approach after an initial, tentative enquiry was rebuffed last month. "His movement is good, his finishing is fantastic and I know he will score a lot of goals for us because we now have more possibilities in the wide areas and also between the lines," Benítez said.

De Kuip favourite
Kuijt joined Feyenoord from FC Utrecht in 2003 and went on to become a huge favourite in Rotterdam, scoring 71 goals in 101 Eredivisie games. "We did everything we could to keep Dirk at Feyenoord," said the Dutch club's chairman, Jorien van den Herik. "We knew he would only leave if his dream club came in for him and that's what happened. We do not begrudge him this step and we thank Dirk for his effort and loyalty to Feyenoord. We hope he returns to De Kuip after playing abroad."

'The dream club'
Kuyt, who has scored four goals in 22 international appearances, added: "For me, Liverpool is the dream club I was looking for. There was more interest from abroad, but for me there was nothing of the calibre of Liverpool, a brilliant club with an enormous reputation, fantastic support and a fabulous history. It is an honour to play for a club like that. I leave Feyenoord with mixed feelings. I experienced three great years in Rotterdam and I will continue to follow everything that happens at De Kuip from England." Liverpool have also signed striker Craig Bellamy and wingers Jermaine Pennant and Mark González this summer.