ryan babel completes move from liverpool fc to hoffenheim

Jan 26 2011 Liverpool Echo

RYAN BABEL has completed his move to Hoffenheim after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract, according to the German club.

The Reds accepted a fee for the Holland international, believed to be in the region of £6million, last week but the deal appeared to be off up until late on Monday when the player flew out to finalise contract details.

“The 24-year-old striker signed on Tuesday a contract for two and a half years until June 30 2013 (plus an option for another year),” said a statement on Hoffenheim’s website.

“Ryan was our first-choice attacking player. He strengthens our squad also with his experience despite being only 24 years old,'' said coach Marco Pezzaiuoli.

The forward, who failed to realise his potential during just over three years at Anfield, is relishing a fresh start in the Bundesliga.

“I am looking forward to my new mission in Hoffenheim,” he said.

“My first impressions are absolutely positive. I hope now to be able to quickly get into the team.”

Babel was signed by former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez from Ajax for £11.5million after impressing at the European Under-21 championships.

However, he struggled to hold down a regular place in the first team and when the opportunity arose it was usually out wide rather than in his favoured central position.

His performances were infuriatingly inconsistent for fans and in 91 Premier League appearances he scored just 12 times.