Benitez signs winger

Updated 10.18 Tue Sep 02 2008
Keywords: rafael benitez, steve finnan, liverpool, espanyol, andriy voronin, premier league, albert riera, sport, football

Liverpool completed a last-minute deal for Albert Riera while Steve Finnan and Andriy Voronin both left the club.

Spain winger Riera moved to Anfield from Espanyol for an undisclosed fee and Finnan moved in the opposite direction as part of the deal.

"Riera has the qualities we were looking for" - Rafael Benitez

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said: "Riera has the qualities we were looking for.

"He's a left-footer who normally plays on the left wing, he's good in the air, strong, powerful and a good crosser of the ball."

Meanwhile, Ukraine international Voronin joined the German club Hertha Berlin on loan for a year.

Liverpool also signed 18-year-old Brazilian striker Vitor Flora from Botafogo and they completed the transfer of goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi from MTK Hungaria, who spent last season on loan at Anfield playing in the reserves.

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