Liverpool signs Lazar Markovic from Benfica

Benfica's Lazar Markovic celebrates his goal against Pacos Ferreira during their Portuguese premier league soccer match at the Mata Real stadium in Pacos de Ferreira, Feb 16, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

LIVERPOOL, England - Liverpool signed versatile forward Lazar Markovic from Benfica on Tuesday as the Premier League club spends the windfall from Luis Suarez's sale.

Liverpool paid 12.5 million euros ($17 million) for Benfica's 50 percent share in Markovic, the Portuguese club said. Details were not disclosed about a deal to buy out the third party owning the other half of the rights in the 20-year-old Serbian.

"I hope that I will fulfil the expectations of the supporters, coaches, players and all connected to the club," Markovic said. "I have seen what the players are like, I have seen what the supporters are like, and I cannot wait to start playing here."

The playmaker only joined Benfica last year from Partizan Belgrade, and scored seven goals in 49 appearances as the Lisbon side won the domestic treble.

Markovic is Liverpool's fourth recruit in the summer transfer window, following striker Rickie Lambert and midfielders Adam Lallana and Emre Can into Anfield.

Liverpool, which finished second in the Premier League last season, made around $130 million from the sale of Suarez to Barcelona last week.