Liverpool F.C. Has signed James Hill from Bournemouth for £40m as Andoni Iraola moves to replace injured Joe Gomez. The 24-year-old defender joins to address Liverpool's defensive crisis ahead of the new season.
Joe Gomez suffered a muscle injury in Liverpool's 4-2 pre-season win over Sunderland, forcing him off in the eighth minute. With Virgil van Dijk still on extended rest and Jeremy Jacquet not risked, Iraola's defensive options are stretched thin. The Reds finished fifth last season with 60 points (17W-9D-12L), conceding 53 goals.
Why Hill is the perfect fit
Hill, who made 29 Premier League appearances last season, is a versatile defender who can play at centre-back or right-back. He won 65.5% of his aerial duels and created 0.56 chances per 90, fitting Iraola's system perfectly. His familiarity with the manager from their time at Bournemouth makes him an ideal signing.
Liverpool's Premier League opener against Newcastle United is less than a month away. With Conor Bradley also sidelined, Hill's arrival provides much-needed depth. Iraola will hope to finalize more defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes on September 1.
