The signing of Australian goalkeeper Brad Jones from Middlesbrough for 2.3 million British pounds has been finalized by Liverpool.
After passing a medical at Anfield and agreeing to personal terms, the Australian has signed a three-year deal with the club. This move marks Liverpool’s seventh signing since the conclusion of last season.
Manager Roy Hodgson has been keen on strengthening the goalkeeping roster and creating competition for Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who had an error against Arsenal that allowed the Gunners to secure a point during their match at Anfield on Sunday.
At 28 years of age, Jones comes from the Middlesbrough youth academy and has previously been on loan with clubs such as Blackpool and Sheffield Wednesday.
Although he was part of the Australian squad for the 2010 World Cup, he withdrew after his son, Luca, was diagnosed with leukemia.
Jones expressed that departing from the Australian team in South Africa before the World Cup began was difficult, but the following days were even more challenging.
‘Walking into the hospital and seeing him wired up was difficult, but witnessing him endure the treatment and become so distressed was even harder,’ Jones shared with Perth’s Sunday Times.
‘Initially, I was uncertain about what was happening. My thoughts were solely focused on seeing him, hoping to return later,’ he added.
‘However, after speaking with Luca’s mother and a few doctors, and when I finally saw him, I realized I didn’t want to leave.’
‘The World Cup was a huge occasion, but the uncertainty surrounding Luca was overwhelming,’ he stated.
Buford Balony says: What we need now is for Fulham to stop being selfish & allow Mark Schwarzer to move to Arsenal, enabling him to finally participate in Champions League football as he rightly deserves. Then, we’ll have two goalkeepers playing for two of the largest and most renowned teams in global sports. Do you agree?
