Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool ­manager, hailed the “tough decision” of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to leave Arsenal for Anfield after the ­midfielder completed a ­£35 million move on Thursday, August 31

Oxlade in Liverpool colours  Source: Hindustan times

Oxlade-Chamberlain became Liverpool’s fourth addition of this transfer window, with a fifth ­recruit – RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita – secured for next summer. The midfielder signed a five-year deal worth £120,000 a week – significantly less than the contract proposed at ­Arsenal.

But Klopp endured frustration in his attempts to add centre-half ­Virgil van Dijk to his squad, as Southampton would not entertain negotiations with the Merseyside club. Liverpool’s hopes of securing Van Dijk were effectively scuppered ­following the fallout of their initial attempts in June, when they were forced to apologise for a ‘misunderstanding’ in their pursuit.

Klopp has professed his delight at the business his club has done by signing Alex. He said he had been following Oxlade-Chamberlain since being impressed watching the midfielder for Arsenal against his Borussia Dortmund side in the 2014 Champions League.

Klopp also suggested it was ­courageous of the England ­international to switch between two esteemed clubs. The player also snubbed a bid from Chelsea.

“This is someone making a tough decision to leave one great club and come to another great club and I think he had many options, so to get him means I am delighted. He didn’t make an easy decision, but I think he made a great one to go on this journey with this squad of talented boys and our great supporters.”Klopp told the Liverpool club ­website.