Liverpool have confirmed the signing of England under-19 international Joe Gomez from Charlton Athletic.
The defender, 18, was linked with a host of Premier League sides but has opted for a move to Anfield, where he is reported to have signed a five-year contract.
#LFC are delighted to announce the signing of England U19 international Joe Gomez from Charlton Athletic. pic.twitter.com/h9xZcVEguG
- Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 20, 2015
Gomez, who can operate at centre-back or full-back, made 21 appearances for Charlton in the Championship last season.
He told his new club's official website: "It's a dream come true. It's a bit surreal and it hasn't really hit me yet, but I'm buzzing and just excited to get started.
"The club has got great history and it's a great club, and one that I've always been following from when I was young.
"The style of football and the top players here was somewhere that I wanted to go and get better and learn, and play good football. It was an easy decision."
Delighted to be joining @LFC ... An amazing club with great players! A dream come true for me. Looking forward to the new challenge ⚽️
- Joe Gomez (@J_Gomez97) June 20, 2015
Gomez, who came through the youth ranks at Charlton and made his debut in August last year, joins for an undisclosed fee but is reported to have cost around £3.5 million.
Charlton CEO Katrien Meire told the Championship club's official website: "It is with a heavy heart that we let him go, but we wish him all the best.
"Joe is a very talented and humble young man and he has proven to be a shining light for our academy and a role model for all of the young players at our club. He is another fine example of what our fantastic academy is capable of.
"Joe signed a new three-year contract with us last year and gave us an impressive first season in professional football, but with such huge ambitions, we could not stand in the way of this big opportunity which he wanted to take.
"Joe goes to Liverpool with our blessing and we wish him luck in what will surely be a very successful career."
Thanks to @CAFCofficial ...All the fans and everyone at the club for an amazing 7 years. Thankful for the support that I will never forget!
- Joe Gomez (@J_Gomez97) June 20, 2015
Gomez added: "I've been here since I was 10 years old and it's been a great experience. The club have always looked after me and I will always be grateful.
"I'm excited for the new challenge at Liverpool and it's an opportunity that I've only been given thanks to the experience that Charlton have given me."
Liverpool have been investing in English talent this summer, having already announced the signings of James Milner from Manchester City and Danny Ings from Burnley, as well as Hungarian goalkeeper Adam Bogdan from Bolton.