After months of speculation, Liverpool have finally confirmed the signing of Thiago Alcantara for a fee of around £25million.

The midfielder joins from reigning European champions Bayern Munich and has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Anfield.

Dejan Lovren left the Reds earlier this summer, leaving the No.6 shirt vacant – but it will be assumed by Thiago for the new season.

Links between the Spain international and Liverpool date back to June 24, when BILD journalist Christian Falk tweeted this:

It’s been a roller-coaster of a saga, with Barcelona and Manchester United also heavily rumoured to be interested in Thiago.

Disagreements between European, South American and local sources made for a very confusing and convoluted narrative.

Those close to the club claimed only interest in Thiago, while others abroad said personal terms had already been agreed.

Both sides of the table coalesced on Thursday morning, when The Athletic confirmed Liverpool had an agreement with Bayern and it quickly accelerated from there.