Charles Itandje has joined Liverpool FC from Lens, according to the French club’s website. He has joined in time to be eligible for Liverpool’s Champions League qualifiers against Toulouse.
The move paves the way for 21-year-old Scott Carson to go out on loan for the season, with Aston Villa the side believed to be his destination. Liverpool boss Rafa Benítez said he was happy for Carson to spend a year elsewhere, gaining experience: Benitez said: “I am happy with the situation and for Scott to play regularly somewhere else. We do not want to lose him, certainly not sell him because we are very happy with him. He is a good lad and a very promising goalkeeper, but I can understand his need to maintain his place in the England squad. It will benefit him to be out on loan and for us to sign a new goalkeeper, then we will have three keepers all in action.”
Carson won’t be eligible to play against Liverpool, under Premiership regulations, meaning he’ll not face his parent club in Saturday’s opener at Villa Park. Villa are believed to be paying Liverpool somewhere in the region of £2.5m for his services for the season.
No fee was disclosed for Itandje, and Liverpool themselves are yet to comment. Itandje himself said: “I’m joining a great club, a Champions League finalist last year and previous winners, it’s great.” Happy as he was at joining the Reds, it wasn’t without sadness that he left Lens: “I’ve met great people, an extraordinary public and rubbed shoulders with great players, frankly I’m leaving with a lot of emotion,”