Lazar Markovic vows to bring Premier League title to Liverpool

Serbian striker Lazar Markovic is hoping he has brought his title-winning talents to Liverpool from Benfica. Glyn Kirk / AFP

In yet another notable makeover move, Liverpool on Tuesday finalized the signing of Serbia winger Lazar Markovic from Benfica.

The 20 year old joined for an undisclosed fee, reported to be as high as £20 million (Dh126m), on what the English Premier League club describe as a "long-term deal".

Markovic is Liverpool’s fourth new recruit of the summer, following the arrivals of Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Emre Can.

Markovic began his professional career with Partizan Belgrade and won successive Serbian titles with them before leaving last summer to join Benfica.

In the 2013/14 season, his side won a Portuguese treble and advanced to the Europa League final, where Benfica were beaten by Sevilla.

“I am very happy that I have joined such a great club,” he told the team website. “I hope that I will fulfil the expectations of the supporters, coaches, players and all connected to the club.”

Markovic is very much looking to continue his silverware streak with Liverpool, who finished second in the top flight last term.

"The Premier League is the strongest league in the world, and so I am very happy to be here," he said.

“And I have already played in the Uefa Champions League with Benfica. It is superb that Liverpool are in it and I hope we will go far next season.

“I watched every [Liverpool] game and they played absolutely superb. It is a shame they did not win the [league] title, but I hope we will win it this season.

“I went to Partizan and won the title. I went to Benfica and won the title. Now I have joined Liverpool and want to win the title, 100 per cent.”

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said: “This is an exciting signing for us and one that improves our squad, in terms of attacking options, for the coming season.

“He was hugely impressive for Benfica last season and has proved he has the ability to produce the goods in European competition as well, which will be important for us.

“Lazar is flexible to play a number of positions, but I like the way he attacks games and is always positive and looking to make something happen. He will fit in with the way we play at Liverpool.

“Getting him at such a young age is also pleasing for us, because we will be able to work with him to develop his talent within our group and improve even further.

“He is the sort of character who is hungry to get better and progress. This is what we look for in players.”

Liverpool are also hoping to sign Belgium’s Lille striker Divock Origi as Rodgers attempts to further strengthen a squad that is losing Luis Suarez, whose switch to Barcelona is expected to be completed this week.

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