Johnson signs four year deal with Liverpool

Glen Johnson has become the most expensive defender in Liverpool’s history by sealing his £17million move from Portsmouth.

The right-back signed a four-year contract at Anfield today and becomes Rafael Benitez’s first major signing of the summer.

The move has been welcomed by legendary Liverpool right-back Phil Neal, who believes the England international’s arrival can bring the best out of ace goalscorer Fernando Torres.

Neal said: “He reminds me of the great attacking right-backs we have had at the club during the time I was there – and before me as well.

“He is a quality addition and he will provide a lot more ammunition for the forwards, that’s for sure.

“Torres will benefit form having Glen in the side more often than not.”

He added: “He gets forward well and crosses a decent ball. I watched him closely during the recent England v Andorra and was suitably impressed. He was bubbling with confidence and is a player that catches the eye.

“He’s probably got as much defensive quality as I had and he is quite capable of doing a very good job for Liverpool.

“I really do think he’s a top quality addition.”

Johnson’s move is now likely to speed up Alvaro Arbeloa’s exit, with the Spaniard linked to a move back to his homeland, likely to be to former club Real Madrid.