Liverpool Confirm Signing of Emre Can from Bayer Leverkusen

Liverpool have completed the signing of German midfielder Emre Can from Bayer Leverkusen, the club have confirmed.

The Reds agreed a deal in principle for the 20-year-old early last month but had to wait until the summer transfer window officially opened on 1 July to register his paperwork and complete international clearance.

The club are understood to have met his £9.75m release clause.

"Emre is an exciting young talent and I'm delighted he's chosen Liverpool for the next phase of his development and growth as a player," Rodgers told Liverpool's official website.

"He has recognised that we are a club that improves and nurtures exciting, ambitious players and I'm looking forward to seeing him take those next steps forward for us."

Emre left the Allianz Arena last summer in search of greater first team football opportunities with Bayern inserting a buyback clause into the deal that saw him join Leverkusen.

The versatile midfielder becomes Brendan Rodgers' third acquisition of the summer following the arrivals of former Southampton duo Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert.

"It was an easy decision for me to sign with Liverpool as I had a very good chat with the manager, which clearly showed that the club and he wanted to sign me. This was important for me. I can say it was an easy decision for me," Emre said.

"I just want to give my best and help the team as much as I can. I believe this season the team finished second in the league, so I want to be a Premier League champion next season."