Liverpool have signed Brazilian international forward Roberto Firmino, the Premier League club said on Wednesday, with the BBC reporting the fee would be £29 million (41 million euros, $46 million).

The forward, currently on duty for Brazil in the Copa America in Chile, will join from Bundesliga club Hoffenheim.

"Liverpool Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim, subject to a medical which will take place immediately following the player's participation in Copa America 2015 for Brazil," the club said in a statement on its website.

"The 23-year-old has agreed a long-term contract with the club," they added.

The BBC said that the contract was for five years and that the fee was the second-highest ever paid by Liverpool after they shelled out £35 million for Andy Carroll in 2011.

Firmino scored 47 goals in 151 appearances during his four-and-a-half years in Germany.

He has scored four times in nine appearances for his country, including what proved to be the winner in Sunday's 2-1 victory against Venezuela at the Copa America.

Firmino, who played for Figueirense in his homeland before moving to Hoffenheim in 2011, becomes Liverpool's fifth summer signing after those of James Milner from Manchester City, Danny Ings from Burnley, goalkeeper Adam Bogdan from Bolton Wanderers and defender Joe Gomez from Charlton Athletic.
Source: AFP