Liverpool have completed the signing of Spanish defender José Enrique from Newcastle United for a fee believed to be around £6m. The 25-year-old travelled to Melwood for a medical on Thursday, and negotiations were concluded swiftly.
José Enrique becomes Liverpool's fifth summer signing, following Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Doni. If the Premier League clears the paperwork by noon on Friday, he will be available for Saturday's opening league match at home to Sunderland, though manager Kenny Dalglish may be cautious about fielding him after just one training session.
Expressing his delight, José Enrique said: "This is one of the happiest days of my life. I have come to one of the biggest clubs not just in England, but in the world." He added that Liverpool's ambition, evidenced by the January signings of Andy Carroll and Luis Suárez and this summer's spending, convinced him to move: "You can see they have big ambitions and that's why I came here – because I want to win things."
The Spaniard, who joined Newcastle from Villarreal for £6.3m in 2007, said he is fit after featuring in pre-season games for Newcastle. "I am looking forward to playing in front of the Kop. I hope it will be this weekend, but if not I can wait," he said. "My ambition is to win everything with Liverpool."
José Enrique cited Dalglish's acquisition of former Newcastle striker Andy Carroll as a significant factor in his decision, noting that it demonstrates Liverpool's determination to challenge for honours.
