Liverpool have announced the signing of Mohamed Salah from Roma.
Salah becomes Jurgen Klopp’s second arrival of the summer transfer window and will wear the number 11 shirt, with Roberto Firmino opting for no.9 next season.
He has become the most expensive player in Anfield’s history, with Roma officially claiming that the initial deal is worth €42 million (£36.9m).
That overall deal could be worth as much as £44m should all of Salah’s performance-related clauses be met during his time with the Reds.
The Egypt international scored 19 times in Serie A last season as he rebuilt his reputation following a difficult first spell in the Premier League with Chelsea.
Liverpool originally attempted to sign Salah in 2014 but were spurned in favour of a move to Stamford Bridge, where he struggled to make a lasting impact.
Klopp has hailed the eventual capture as a vital one in his rebuilding project.
He said: “Mohamed has the perfect mix of experience and potential – this is a really exciting signing for us.
“He knows the Premier League, he has pedigree in the Champions League and he is one of the most important players for his country.
“His record in Italy has been outstanding and he possesses qualities that will enhance our team and squad. I have followed him since he emerged at Basel and he has matured into a really good player.
“His pace is incredible, he gives us more attacking threat and we are already strong in this area. I like that we will make it even more competitive.
“Most important though, for us, is that he is hungry, willing and eager to be even better and improve further.
“He believes in what we are trying to do here at Liverpool and is extremely keen to be part of it. He is very excited about performing for our wonderful supporters.
“He is an ambitious player who wants to win and win at the highest level; he knows he can fulfil those ambitions with Liverpool.”