Liverpool have completed the signing of Danish international midfielder Christian Poulsen from Juventus for £4.5million.

The deal for Poulsen, which could rise a further £1million was explained in a statement by Juventus, which read, “Juventus announces that an agreement has been finalised with Liverpool for the disposal of the registration rights of the player Christian Poulsen for a consideration of €5.475m to be paid in two instalments: €2.725m immediately upon the execution of the contract and €2.75m on 1 July 2011. Deferred payment is covered by a bank guarantee.”

“This operation generates a non-significant capital gain in the 2010-11 financial year. The consideration for the disposal may increase by a further maximum of €1.2m on achieving given sports performances in the course of the duration of the contract.”

Poulsen is expected to be Javier Mascherano’s replacement at Liverpool, with the Argentine international expected to leave to either Inter Milan or Barcelona before the end of the transfer window.

Poulsen becomes Liverpool’s fifth signing of the summer after the arrivals of Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic, Danny Wilson and Jonjo Shelvey.

The 30-year-old could make his debut for the club as early as this Sunday’s Premier League clash against Arsenal at Anfield (4pm kick-off).

Poulsen has won 77 caps for his country, scoring twice and will join Daniel Agger as Danish Reds.

Welcome to Liverpool, Christian