Liverpool sign Pellegrino from Valencia on a free

transfer
By J Wade
January 9 2005

The Argentinian completed a medical at Liverpool today and has signed a deal which will keep him at Liverpool till the end of the season. Pellegrino has an option to extend the contract for one more season.

However, the player wont be elligable to play until the deal is finalised. Pellegrino also will not be able to play for Liverpool in the Champions League as he has already had an appearance as a substitute for Valencia.

The deal bringing him to Anfield means that he is reunited with his old manager Rafael Benitez. Pellegrino enjoyed a lot of success with Benitez as manager as Rafa lead Valencia to two La Liga titles, UEFA cup victory and twice Champions League semi-finalists.

Stephane Henchoz looks very likely to leave the club during the transfer window after being out of favour with Liverpool. So the signing of Pellegrino is important for Liverpool because it ensures that Hyypia and Carragher will have to work hard to keep their places in the Liverpool defence.

Pellegrino said "I feel very satisfied, at my age it's a great satisfaction that this opportunity comes along. I have always wanted to play in English football."