Liverpool swoop for Crouch
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Article summary
European champions Liverpool FC have completed the €10.1m signing of towering England striker Peter Crouch.
Article body
Sixth signing
The towering 24-year-old has agreed a four-year contract with the Premiership side and becomes Rafael Benítez's sixth summer signing as the manager looks to build on last season's UEFA Champions League triumph. "He's good in the air and can hold up the ball, which should suit us," Benítez said. "Especially in away games where we had our troubles last season."
Huge profit
The deal represents good business for second-division Southampton, who brought the 1.98m-tall forward from Aston Villa FC last summer for just €2.9m. He experienced a marked improvement in form on the south coast, and although Harry Redknapp's team were relegated, he scored 12 goals in 27 league games and was rewarded with his England debut in a 3-2 friendly win against Colombia in the United States in May.
Kaunas task
Crouch becomes the latest new face at Anfield, following the arrivals of Boudewijn Zenden, Mohamed Sissoko, José Manuel Reina, Mark González and Antonio Barragán. He could make his debut in the Champions League second qualifying round first leg at Lithuania's FBK Kaunas next week.
