Liverpool transfer news: Reds complete £4.2m deal for Augsburg's Ragnar Klavan

The 30-year-old Estonian international has been brought in as cover at centre-back

Samuel Lovett
Wednesday 20 July 2016 06:48 EDT
Comments
(Liverpool FC)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Liverpool have signed Ragnar Klavan from Augsburg in a deal reportedly worth £4.2m.

The experienced central defender has been brought in as cover at centre-back with both Mamadou Sakho and Joe Gomez currently ruled out due to injury.

Tiago Ilori had been expected to provide initial cover for the start of the coming season but his inclusion in Portugal’s Olympics squad has forced Liverpool to bolster their defensive ranks with new-signing Klaven.

The central defender enjoyed four seasons at Augsburg, after joining in 2012, and made 181 appearances for the club.

Speaking to Liverpool's official website, Klaven said: “I’m really honoured to be part of this amazing club, this amazing team.

“It’s hard to put it into words, because it’s been a dream of mine for 22 years to come to the Premier League and be a part of this amazing club, Liverpool.

“The Premier League is the most attractive league in the world and you always have amazing players here. This is the home of football.”

The 30-year-old has also made more than international 100 appearances for Estonia and fans will hope his experience can help boost Liverpool’s backline.

According to reports, Jurgen Klopp sees him as the ideal man to offer the same leadership and cover provided by Kolo Toure last season.

Klavan began his career in Estonia where he made his debut as a 15-year-old in 2001 for FC Elva. He went on to enjoy spells at Tulevik, Flora, Valerenga and Heracles before joining AZ Alkmaar in 2009.

The Estonian joins former Bundesliga player Joel Matip who was brought in on a free transfer earlier this summer and started Sunday's friendly at Wigan alongside Dejan Lovren.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in