Friday, July 6, 2007

The Reds signs Fernando Torres

New Liverpool signing Fernando Torres believes the Spanish influence at Anfield will help him hit the ground running.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez has brought the Spain international to Anfield in a club record deal, believed to be just under £20million.

Fernando Torres is likely to make his Liverpool debut against either Werder Bremen or Auxerre when the Reds travel to Switzerland later this month.

The 23-year-old, has signed a six-year contract but the size of the fee, coupled with Liverpool's attacking problems last term, mean he will be under pressure to perform immediately.

The Spaniard will now head back to his homeland after completing his move to Anfield and will not return until July 11.

He is unlikely to feature against either Wrexham on July 7 or Crewe on July 14, but will travel to central Europe with his new teammates on July 17.

"For sure he will play in Switzerland," Benitez said.

Torres, who will play alongside the likes of Jose Reina and Xabi Alonso, said: 'Hopefully I can settle as quickly as possible. It will be a help that there are so many Spanish speakers here and also the manager.

Merseysiders

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