Friday, July 07, 2006

Liverpool Boss Benitez Unveils Bellamy, Aurelio, Gonzalez & Paletta As New Players - Feyenoord's Kuyt & City's Pennant Targets


Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has revealed his four new Liverpool players for the beginning of pre-season training, with more stars expected to join the Reds this summer.

Benitez has now finally confirmed that Chile winger Mark Gonzalez has been granted a work permit after a successful hearing on Wednesday morning, with Brazilian full-back Fabio Aurelio also completing his free transfer move from Spanish giants Valencia on Wednesday.

Benitez believes Gonzalez is a player who will not only enhance his team but also excite the supporters, saying after his unsuccessful appeal in October last year: “Gonzalez is already a player who will shine in the Premiership, but very soon he could be one of the most exciting players in England.”

With Wales striker Craig Bellamy and Argentinean defender Gabriel Paletta having already both been confirmed on four-year contracts, Benitez has added strength and depth to his squad, but he says that he still intends to bring more players in to Anfield.

Benitez has made no secret of his desire to sign Holland and Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt, who himself has stated his desire to play in The Premiership, but that deal may well turn into a bidding war with Newcastle United after the injury to Michael Owen in the World Cup Finals.

Benitez is reported to be back in the hunt for Spain and Real Betis winger Joaquin, with Birmingham City winger Jermaine Pennant also on his wish list.

It has been rumoured that Poland keeper Jerzy Dudek, ex-Sevilla defender Antonio Barragan - who only made one first-team appearance for Liverpool – and long-term Dutch international injury Boudewijn Zenden could also be on the move, with Barragan rumoured to be set for a switch to Spanish La Liga side Deportivo La Coruna.

Former Germany international Dietmar Hamann is on the brink of a free transfer to Manchester City, while goalkeeper Chris Kirkland could be joining Wigan Athletic.

Bruno Cheyrou, Ramon Calliste and David Raven have also left the club.

Benitez particularly happy with the signings of Aurelio and Gonzalez. Speaking of the Gonzalez deal, after having had a year-long wait for a work permit for the Chilean international, Benitez said to Liverpoolfc.tv: “This is very good news for us and I am absolutely delighted to welcome Mark to Liverpool as he is a player the supporters will like to see.

“Mark is an exciting left winger who can cross good balls and beat defenders and he is a very good signing for us. He has a very good mentality, as when I was talking with him he told me, ‘I want to play for Liverpool’.”

Fabio Aurelio joined Gonzalez and Paletta in pre-season training with Liverpool this week after the move was completed yesterday.

Benitez said: “Fabio is a player with a lot of quality and he is a really good signing for us.

“His technical ability is fantastic and he has a great left foot and provides the team with a lot of options. He has a really good mentality and he is a winner.”

Great Red North @ 5:30 pm

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