Liverpool transfer news: Ragnar Klavan joins Reds on long-term contract

Ragnar Klavan will challenge for a place in Liverpool's starting lineup.

Liverpool have confirmed they have completed the signing of FC Augsburg defender Ragnar Klavan on a long-term contract.

Jurgen Klopp decided against renewing Kolo Toure's contract and the former Arsenal and Manchester City defender was allowed to leave as a free agent. In addition to this, Martin Skrtel was allowed to leave Anfield as he joined Fenerbahce earlier this summer.

The Merseyside club have Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren as the two first choice defenders, as Mamadou Sakho and Joe Gomez are recovering from injury. Liverpool wanted a cover in the central defending position and the Estonian defender is the man to fill that position.

A statement on Liverpool's official website read, "Liverpool Football Club have completed the signing of Ragnar Klavan from FC Augsburg on a long-term contract."

"The centre-back, who made in excess of 120 appearances in the Bundesliga and has over a century of caps for Estonia, has put pen to paper on a deal with the Reds after successfully passing a medical and agreeing personal terms at Melwood."

Klavan has expressed his delight after successfully putting pen on paper. He admitted that the Premier League is a "home of football" and is delighted to be playing in England's top flight club competition.

"I'm really honoured to be part of this amazing club, this amazing team. It's hard to put it into words, because it's been a dream of mine for 22 years to come to the Premier League and be a part of this amazing club, Liverpool," Klavan explained.

"The Premier League is the most attractive league in the world and you always have amazing players here. This is the home of football."

READ MORE