Josemi joins Liverpool
Thursday, July 29, 2004
Article summary
Liverpool FC have made Spanish defender Josemi the first signing of new coach Rafael Benítez's reign.
Article body
Four-year contract
The Málaga CF right-back, who has cost €3m and has reportedly agreed a four-year contract, has flown out to join the Premiership club's pre-season tour of the United States. Speaking after Liverpool's 5-1 win against Scottish champions Celtic FC earlier this week, Benítez said: "He is an aggressive player and good in defence.
'Make us stronger'
"He is a right-sided player in the [Jamie Carragher] mould. I know this player and he is good in the air and can make this team stronger." Josemi, whose full name is José Miguel González, came through the youth ranks at Málaga. The 24-year-old was a regular for the Primera División side for the past three seasons and missed just one of 38 league games last term.
Diarra moves again
As Josemi arrives, French Under-21 international Alou Diarra is set to leave the Merseysiders for a season-long loan at RC Lens. Diarra has played just 45 minutes of one pre-season match since moving to Liverpool from FC Bayern München in 2002. Diarra was on loan at SC Bastia in 2003/04 and had been omitted from the Reds' US tour.
