Juventus wrap up Sissoko signing

Juventus have signed Liverpool's Mohamed Sissoko for 11 million euros ($16.26 million), the Serie A club said today.

The combative Mali midfielder jetted to Italy at the weekend for a medical before heading back to the African Nations Cup in Ghana, where his side face Ivory Coast later on Tuesday.

Sissoko, who went to Anfield in 2005 but fell out of favour following the arrival of Javier Mascherano, has signed a five-year contract with the Turin club, a statement said.

The tough tackler played under Juve boss Claudio Ranieri at Valencia in 2004. He replaces Argentine Sergio Almiron, who was sent on loan to Monaco after an ineffective first few months at Juve having signed from Empoli.

"I am happy to come to such an important club, this experience is certainly a step forward in my career," Sissoko said in a statement.

"I am excited at the thought of soon being able to play with great champions and to work again with Claudio Ranieri, a great coach who I already appreciated during my time at Valencia." If Mali reach the African Nations Cup final on Feb. 10, Juve could be without their new signing for two league games.

Juve, third in Serie A, signed Lazio defender Guglielmo Stendardo on loan until June on Monday and also announced that Aston Villa's Olof Mellberg would be joining the club in July.

Sissoko's move was also due to be sealed on Monday but was delayed slightly. The fee will be paid in three instalments and could rise by a further two million euros depending on Juve's performance.