Liverpool confirm Kyrgiakos deal

Liverpool have tonight confirmed they are on the verge of signing Greek centre-back Sotirios Kyrgiakos from AEK Athens.

Shortly after Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Stoke City at Anfield this evening, Reds boss Rafa Benitez said told the club’s official web site, “We have nearly done the deal subject to a medical. He is a player with experience who can hopefully help us in defence.

“He has experience in British football and Rangers. After that with Frankfurt and the national team. He’s a good player in the air, strong and aggressive. We were looking for a player with experience.

“He will have the medical this week, it has to be before the weekend.”

Sports News - January 26, 2009

Last night, Kyrgiakos issued a statement through his own personal web site telling fans AEK Athens that he was leaving to join the Reds.

Coming with experience, 30-year-old Kyrgiakos will be seen as the replacement for Sami Hyypia, who departed Anfield after 10 years at the club earlier this summer.

The Greek international had a brief spell at Scottish club Rangers between January 2005 to May 2006 before the Glasgow outfit terminated his contract.

He has since played for German side Eintracht Frankfurt, before moving to AEK in 2008, and holds 49 caps for Greece, scoring 4 times.