Liverpool outcast completes switch to Villarreal

Spanish side Villarreal have confirmed the signing of Liverpool left-back and free agent Alberto Moreno on a five-year contract. 

Moreno had an impressive first two seasons at Anfield under Brendan Rodgers but he was reduced to a benchwarmer by Jurgen Klopp since then. The 27-year old made only two appearances in the Premier League and had a solitary appearance in the Champions League last season. 

The Spaniard was considered one of the most promising left-backs in the Premier League few years ago. However, the likes of Andrew Robertson forced him down the pecking order at Liverpool. As a result, Alberto Moreno let the club run down his contract for the upcoming season, with Villarreal acquiring him on a free transfer. 

The defender has passed his medical at the Estadio de la Cerámica, and is due to be presented to the fans today following his first preseason training with manager Javier Calleja.

He has also featured nine times for the Spanish national team, having represented the U21s earlier in his career. Prior to joining Liverpool for £12 million in the summer of 2014, Alberto Moreno made 62 appearances for Sevilla, scoring thrice and registering five assists.

Villareal have been active in this summer transfer window, with Moreno being their third signing. Eibar and Napoli’s defensive duo of Ruben Pena and Raul Albiol have already been added to the squad to bolster their defence, after they finished a lowly 14th in the La Liga, nine points behind European qualification places. 

Alberto Moreno will team up with the likes of former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla and Everton centre-back Ramiro Funes Mori at Villarreal, both of whom he has played against in his Premier League days.