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Reds Bring on Finnish Teen Patrik Raitanen

The 15-year old star will debut on Steven Gerrard’s U18 side.

Arsenal v Chelsea - The Emirates FA Cup Final Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

We’re all watching the transfer rumours fly these next few months, so it’s good when there’s a concrete bit of good news to latch on to. Like Liverpool signing 15-year-old player Patrik Raitanen from FC Jazz in Pori, Finland, for example.

Raitanen signed the pre-contract agreement at Melwood on Thursday alongside Academy director, Alex Inglethorpe, and his future coach, Steven Gerrard, and is more than a little eager to get started.

"I have watched the most in the English Premier League and this is where I want to go,” Raitanen told Finnish TV program Yle Uutiset after agreeing to sign with the Reds last year. "I have also been watching Liverpool, have seen some of Sami Hyypiä’s games. He had a great career and I would like that too.”

"In Liverpool, the resources are good and there is a chance to develop. The goal is definitely a place in the first team."

The centre-back will be joining 16-year old Norwegian midfielder, Edvard Tagseth, whose contract with the club was confirmed yesterday. Tagseth comes heavily lauded by the Norwegian FA and in general seems like an excellent player who will be great to watch as he continues to develop at Kirkby.

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