Soccer signing record

Press, 16 July 1987, Page 31

Soccer signing record

NZPA-Reuter London The England striker, Peter Beardsley, signed for Liverpool yesterday for a British record of £1.9 million ($5.2 million). Liverpool had agreed to the transfer from Newcastle a month ago but an argument between the player and his old club over personal terms kept the move in doubt. Liverpool’s chairman, John Smith, said yesterday, "In life, patience is a virtue. Peter was worth waiting for.” “Not only is he one of the best players in this country, in my book he is a leading player in Europe and the world,” Mr Smith said. Beardsley will join the Eng-

land wing, John Barnes, signed last month from Watford for $2.5 million. Liverpool is rebuilding its attack after the departure of the leading scorer, lan Rush, for Italy’s Juventus. Beardsley, who declined to revea] details of his row with Newcastle over a loyalty payment, said, “I am very relieved that it is all over. I am delighted to be a Liverpool player.” The deal makes Beardsley one of 18 British players who have changed hands for more than one million sterling. Outside Britain, Rush’s price of $9.2 million to Juventus stands as the record fee involving a British player.