Aquilani signs Reds deal

But Italy midfielder may not be fit for eight weeks

Last updated: 8th August 2009  

Aquilani signs Reds deal

Aquilani: Reds deal

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Alberto Aquilani has successfully passed his medical with Liverpool and has agreed a five-year contract at Anfield.

The former Roma midfielder has been captured by Reds boss Rafa Benitez as a replacement for Xabi Alonso, who has been sold to Real Madrid for £30million.

Aquilani arrives for a fee of £20m and he is expected to watch his new team-mates take on Atletico Madrid in the club's final pre-season friendly on Saturday.

But Liverpool do not expect the 25-year-old, who is believed to be set to earn £80,000 a week, to be fit for between four and eight weeks.

Aquilani had surgery on an ankle injury this summer and he will now complete his rehabilitation under the guidance of the Anfield medical staff.