Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has admitted he had to act quickly in a "crazy" market to secure the signing of defender Glen Johnson.
The 24-year-old right-back completed his move from Portsmouth for a fee believed to be £17million, although much of that will be offset by money still owed from Peter Crouch's transfer to Fratton Park last summer.
Benitez has already accepted he paid over the odds for the England international but stressed there were many factors which made the deal the right one for the club.
"We knew the market was going to be difficult this summer and some of it has been crazy," said Benitez.
"Manchester City and Chelsea were there - they were making offers. We had to be quick and the club acted quickly.
"It was down to the player whether he chose us or City or Chelsea and he chose us."
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by the end of next season he will be worth 50 million! Good choice Rafa ..
actualy u retards talking trash about the price he dint pay that much alot of it was what they still owed us from the crouch deal and im sure most of u are utd fans take a look at ur own team over 50mill of players (anderson nani)who played only around 18 games between them last season whats the diff
Johnson chose Liverpool over Man City and Chelsea because Liverpool's expectations are much lower. Apparently according to the scouse muppet bin dippers a good season for Liverpool is winning nothing and coming second.
Well I am A Utd fan but I'm happy for Johnson that he chose Liverpool were he should play regularly in England and in the CL and that's only good for the national team.
Good signing Rafa,please take a watch on the South African keeper. I think we need him this summer should in case reina is injured or ......khune is very good at the post. He is like a magnet to the ball. He is worth a red shirt and a good replacement of Itanje. Thanks
Good old Rafa, so predictable. He's lauding the player and trying hard to justify the price HE (note - HE )has paid. The poor lad will end up on the bench within 3m, and Benitez claiming that it wasn't his decision to buy him in the first place!
Now that Parry has gone who can he pin the blame on now?
He's paid mega-bucks for an extremely average player, to say the least, so what was his thinking?
Good job! what remains is another good striker to complement Torres. rafa, please @#$% david villa before the wrong team gets him. Silverius
Nice bit of buisness for a player who fills all the criteria wanted by Rafa,England International,prem experiance right back with a good crossing ability and can score goals.
Congratulations! liverpool now needs a powerfull striker to complement hitman Torres.Please benitez ,use the balance to @#$% david villa as soon as you can.
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