From stacking shelves to the EPL, left-back Robertson thrilled to sign for Liverpool
>> LIVERPOOL: Liverpool have signed full-back Andy Robertson from Hull City on a long-term contract, while midfielder Kevin Stewart has moved in the opposite direction, the Merseyside club said on Friday.
Financial details of the Robertson deal were not disclosed, but British media reported that Liverpool had paid Hull £10 million (US$13 million) to secure his signature.
“It feels a wee bit surreal just now,” Robertson told Liverpool’s website.
“Obviously I’m delighted. There’s been a lot of speculation over the last couple of weeks but I’m glad that the deal’s finally been done and I’m a Liverpool player.”
The 23-year-old Scotland international made 116 appearances and scored five goals for Hull after joining from Dundee United in 2014.
His arrival increases Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp’s options at left-back. The German deployed midfielder James Milner in the position for most of last season after Alberto Moreno fell out of favour.
Just four years ago, Robertson was playing on a part-time basis for Queen’s Park in the Scottish leagues and working in a supermarket. Next season, he’ll be playing in the Champions League.
“For Andrew this is another big step on what has been a quite incredible personal journey in a very short space of time,” Klopp said.
“He has experience of... the Premier League, and he has the mentality and quality to get even better.
Klopp said Robertson’s arrival would increase competition for the left-back spot.
“Obviously, James Milner did very well for us last season there and can play most positions on the football pitch. Alberto Moreno looks really good in pre-season and we have Jon Flanagan back, who can play left or right full-back.”
Stewart, who is also 23, joined Liverpool from Tottenham Hotspur in 2014, and made 20 first team appearances for the Merseyside club. He has joined Hull, who were relegated from the top-tier last season, on a threeyear contract.
NEWCASTLE NET MANQUILLO
Newcastle United have made their second signing this week after completing the capture of Spanish defender Javier Manquillo, the club confirmed on Friday.
Manquillo put pen to paper on a three-year deal at the newly-promoted Premier League club, who snapped up the right-back for an undisclosed fee.
The 23-year-old makes an immediate return to the Premier League having spent last season on loan at the Magpies’ fierce rivals Sunderland, while Liverpool first brought Manquillo to English football in 2014 on a two-year loan deal, which was cut short after only 19 appearances.
“I’m very happy to be here. From the first moment that Rafa Benitez called me, I just knew that I had to come here, to such a big club,” said Manquillo.
“I’ve come here to work hard and give everything on and off the pitch. Hopefully then everything will go in the right direction.”
Manquillo is Newcastle’s fourth summer signing following the arrivals of Christian Atsu, Florian Lejeune and Jacob Murphy.
STOKE SECURE ZOUMA
Stoke City have secured the signing of Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma on a season-long loan deal, they announced on Friday.
The French centre-back is believed to have turned down a host of sides from around Europe, and has opted for the West Midlands club after completing a medical at the Potters’ Clayton Wood training complex.
“Kurt is undoubtedly one of the most talented young defenders in the game, so naturally his arrival will enhance our playing squad for the forthcoming campaign,” beamed Stoke manager Mark Hughes.
“He first caught my attention as a 17-year-old during his time at SaintEtienne, and in fact, I actually tried to sign him at that point in his career, but whilst that deal never materialised I am delighted to finally get the opportunity to work with him now.
“On his day he is one of the most impressive defenders in the league.”
Zouma has made 71 appearances for Premier League champions Chelsea and remains part of their longterm plans, but Blues boss Antonio Conte wanted him to get regular game time this campaign after suffering a serious knee injury in February 2016.