Liverpool have once again got the better of Manchester United in the transfer window, sealing a move for right-back Nathaniel Clyne from Southampton in a deal worth £12.5 million. The club confirmed on their official website that the player has signed a long-term contract, believed to be a five-year one.
This is the second time in a week where the Reds have emerged triumphant after a tug-of-war with United. Last week, Roberto Firmino opted to join Anfield rather than Old Trafford for £29 million. Now, Clyne has snubbed the Red Devils for Brendan Rodgers’ side. The Englishman becomes the sixth player to join Liverpool in this transfer window, one that has been nothing short of phenomenal for the Reds.
Clyne joins James Milner, Danny Ings, Adam Bogdan, Joe Gomez and Firmino as arrivals at the red half of Merseyside thus far. After following up their runners-up position in the 2013/14 season with a 6th placed finish last year, Liverpool seem determined to set things right and get back into the midst in the next campaign.
Clyne has been one of Southampton’s most consistent performers since joining from Crystal Palace in 2012. Part of some miserly defences in the Premier League under the likes of Nigel Adkins, Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman, he has been a solid rock on the right.
He made his international debut last year and at the age of just 24, looks good enough to be the first-choice for years to come. It is no wonder so many top clubs were chasing him, with Louis van Gaal extremely intent on bringing him to United. The Dutchman will now have to look elsewhere for reinforcements at the back.
For Liverpool, this summer is turning out to be absolutely incredible. They still need to bring a marquee forward into the side, and though there have been rumours linking them with Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke, nothing concrete has occurred.
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