Fernando Morientes is in line to make his debut against Manchester United on Saturday after completing his move from Real Madrid to Liverpool tonight.
The Spain striker passed a medical earlier this afternoon - the two clubs having agreed a £6.3million fee yesterday - and signed a three-and-a-half year contract just before 5pm.
"Fernando Morientes is now officially a Liverpool player and will be unveiled at a press conference tomorrow," club spokesman Ian Cotton told the club's website, www.liverpoolfc.tv.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez revealed he is thrilled to have finally secured the services of the 28-year-old striker.
"He is important to us. He is good in the air, he is a good finisher and can shoot with both feet.
"We need a target man with experience - for the supporters, for the team and for the players.
"He is not the quickest but he can play with (Milan) Baros and they could form a good partnership because one is good in the air and the other is quick.
"He also has the mentality to go straight into a game like Saturday's if necessary.
Baros also welcomed Morientes' arrival.
"The deal is great news. Fernando is world-class and I'm delighted he is coming to Anfield," Baros said.
"I'm looking forward to establishing our partnership on the pitch. Fernando is terrific in the air, just like Jan Koller.
"Jan and I have been superb for the Czechs and I believe Fernando and I can prove just as successful in English football.
"He is so strong and so talented that I'm certain he will help us climb towards the very top of the Premiership.
"Obviously, the timing of the deal is very important too. Djibril Cisse is out with a long-term injury and I've had my difficulties with injuries recently as well."
Morientes said: "I want to play and I had several offers, but I think the best for me and my family was Liverpool's.
"I am happy for that reason, but sad because it has been eight years here at Madrid and I will never forget them. This is a new stage in my life and I am excited about it.
"I am grateful the club (Madrid) have accepted my wishes to go to Liverpool rather than other better offers they could have had. All I can say is thanks to all the clubs who were interested.
"One of them was Lyon, but when their offer came in I had given my word to Liverpool. The Lyon offer came later and I had made my decision. I wanted to go to England."
Meanwhile, Sheffield United have revived their interest in Neil Mellor following the arrival of Morientes.
The Blades had been linked with Mellor two months ago but Liverpool were unwilling to do business as they had few fit strikers at the club following injuries to Baros and Cisse.
However, Sheffield-born Mellor will now find himself further down the pecking order with Florent Sinama-Pongolle having been a regular choice of boss Rafael Benitez since October.
Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock told the Yorkshire Post: "If Neil is available, we will be definitely interested."
