Liverpool have completed the signing of midfielder Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich, the club announced on Friday.

ESPN reported on Thursday that Liverpool had beaten rival interest from Manchester United to seal a deal worth an initial £20 million.

- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
- Play English Soccer Pick 'Em with ESPN
- Transfer Q&A: How will summer transfers work?

Thiago's contract with the Bundesliga champions was due to expire next summer and he had been linked with a move away from the club for several months.

"I think it's an amazing feeling," Thiago told Liverpool's website. I was waiting for this moment for a long time and I am very, very happy to be here.

"When the years are passing, you are trying to win as much as you can -- and when you win, you want to win more. I think this club describes what I am as well; I want to achieve all of the goals, win as many trophies as possible.

"It also [has] this kind of family [feeling] that I need because we [like to] have a very close relationship with the club and I think I will feel this, I will have this feeling, with this club as well."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had been determined to add the former Barcelona player to his squad earlier this summer, but financial restrictions at the club in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic had left the Anfield hierarchy reluctant to sanction an expensive move for a 29-year-old.

Klopp had been told that a first-team player would have to leave the Premier League champions in order to create space on the wage bill for Thiago.

However, sources told ESPN that Klopp was given the green light to secure Thiago last week, without the need for the club to sell first.

Thiago has been an integral part of the Bayern side that has dominated German football in recent years.

He joined Bayern in 2013 from Barcelona, where he won two La Liga titles, and has since won seven Bundesliga titles.

Last season he helped the team to a remarkable Treble where they topped the Bundesliga and also won the German Cup and Champions League.

"I still clearly remember how Pep Guardiola said at the beginning of his tenure in Munich, 'Thiago or nothing.' In hindsight, I'm very happy that we fulfilled Pep's demand at the time," Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said."Thiago has developed from a talented 22-year-old into a true leader, who we hugely appreciate above all as a person.

"He wanted a new sporting challenge in another league. We've granted that request and agreed a transfer with Liverpool. On behalf of all of FC Bayern, I wish Thiago and his family all the best for the future. A truly distinguished player like him will always be a friend of our club."

Sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic added: "I believe we all regret that Thiago now wants something new in his life as he approaches 30. He's an extraordinary footballer and person. I'm sure that he'll remain close to FC Bayern.

"With us, he became one of the best players in Europe and won everything there is to win at club level with FC Bayern. His children were born in Munich and his family have made their home in Munich. He won't forget that. I wish him good health and hope he finds what he's looking for."

Thiago, who has 39 Spain caps, will now contend for a spot in Liverpool's midfield alongside Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.