Rafael Benitez confirmed this evening that Liverpool have made another signing in what has been a hectic seven days. Mohamed Sissoko has signed from Valencia in a deal sure to upset David Moyes.
Moyes had been so desperate to sign the player he’d even flown out to meet him in a last ditch attempt to prevent Liverpool hijacking the deal. Sissoko played under Benitez when he was manager of the Spanish side and when Benitez heard he was available he felt he had to make his own offer. Moyes tried to tempt Sissoko over to the blue side of the city by promising him more first-team football, but the lure of playing for the European Champions under his former boss was more tempting for him.
Sissoko – or Mohamed Lamine Sissoko
Altura to give him his full name – is an international star for Mali, and is twenty years old. He was signed from Auxerre by Valencia two years ago.
Speaking after Liverpool’s friendly victory over Wrexham, Reds boss Rafa Benitez described his latest signing: "He’s a central midfielder who is very, very good, he has a high energy level and is always working. He’s also not bad with the ball and he can give us a balance in the middle."
The spending is not neccessarily over for Liverpool either. As well as chasing Luis Figo on a free transfer, Liverpool are still looking to bring more new faces in. Asked about Figo Benitez was a little cagy, but obviously has to be careful what he says. He said: "It is possibility but at the moment it’s in the hands of Real Madrid. We have a number of possibilities for right wingers and Figo is one of them we are trying to get." He continued that Liverpool – linked heavily with a move for Peter Crouch – are still negotiating for player:
"We hope to sign two or three more players."
Benitez was also asked if he felt Liverpool could push for the title next season. He said that Liverpool need to wait and see how the season starts, but did admit: "I think we are better than last season."