Babel and Benayoun to Anfield

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Ajax forward Ryan Babel on a five-year contract.Babel and fellow new signing Yossi Benayoun were unveiled at a press conference at Anfield.The Reds have already agreed an £11.5million fee with Ajax for Babel's services, while Benayoun earlier sealed his deal to move to Merseyside from West Ham United.

With Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres costing Liverpool a club-record fee last week, Rafael Benitez’s plans to build a squad capable of challenging for the Barclays Premier League title appear to be virtually complete.Babel can play as a striker or wide midfielder on either flank and will wear the number 19 shirt for the Reds.Speaking to the club’s official website www.liverpoolfc.tv, the Dutchman claimed he found it easy to decide on the move.

He said"I was in Aruba at the end of last week when I was told to start thinking about Liverpool because a move could happen,I have met Rafael Benítez and my conversation with him was the moment I knew the deal would get done.He is like the ideal father-in-law. He has a lot of football know-how and he told me that I would be challenging with six other players for four positions. I have a good feeling about things."

Benayoun completed his protracted transfer by committing himself to the club until 2011.Liverpool and West Ham spent several weeks haggling over the value of the 27-year-old, who had held off signing a new contract at Upton Park once he learned of the Merseysiders' interest.Benayoun moved to England from Spanish side Racing Santander for £2.5million in 2005 and scored eight goals in 72 matches for the Hammers and was influential in their last day escape from relegation last season.