Source: Daily_Mail
Liverpool's Ryan Babel completes £6m Hoffenheim transfer
Liverpool forward 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.Sunderland and Fulham expressed late interest in the striker, but were too late to stop Babel's move to Germany. A Dutch disappointing: Babel failed to live up to his growing reputation at Anfield '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. Manager Ernst Tanner added on the club's website: 'We are very proud to be able to sign in Ryan Babel an internationally-experienced player from a top club like Liverpool. 'We are convinced that he is a big gain for us with his character traits and his sporting qualities.' 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.' Liverpool lack respect if they think Suarez is only worth £12.7m, say AjaxLiverpool miss out on Van Bommel as Dutchman swaps Bayern for AC MilanClub-by-club guide to every Premier League transfer deal during JanuaryAll the latest Liverpool news, features and opinion Explore more:People: Ryan Babel Places: Liverpool, The Netherlands, Germany