Livingston have announced the signing of goalkeeper Shamal George from Colchester United on a four-year deal.
The highly-rated 24-year-old was unveiled to the Lions faithful prior to their Premier Sports Cup clash against Kelty Hearts this afternoon.
The former Liverpool youth product is believed to have cost the Tony Macaroni Arena outfit between £75-100k and will go into the squad for next week's league opener at home to Rangers.
Earlier in the day George, who was named United's Player of the Year last season, took to social media to thank the club and their fans as he departs the League Two outfit after two years.
He said: "The time has now come to move on. I am certainly going to miss my teammates. I will miss all of the staff at the club who've always treated me well. I leave with my head held high, in the acknowledgement that I always gave my all and did my best in a Colu shirt."
Lions boss David Martindale told the club's website: "We are absolutely delighted to get this one over the line. We have been tracking Shamal for a few months now and we have finally managed to agree a transfer fee with Colchester and a 4-year contract with Shamal himself.
"It's very rare that you will see Livingston spend money on a transfer fee, but it shows you how highly we regard Shamal and the ambitions we have for him personally.
“Shamal will come in and will wear the number 1 shirt for the forthcoming season. He’s at a good age and has played enough games in senior football and performed consistently well to get our attention. He has all the attributes to kick on and really give himself the best chance possible at playing at a top, top level. I’m sure he is going to be a fantastic addition to our squad.
“Huge credit must go to Chairman Robert Wilson and Chief Executive John Ward for helping to make the funds available to make this transfer happen. Historically, we’ve always been a selling club and that doesn’t change however, having the backing of the board to be able to go and spend money on securing the services of a player to help better the squad is greatly appreciated and I’ve no doubt that backing will be rewarded with Shamal’s inclusion in the squad.
“I want to go on record thanking Colchester for their professionalism and understanding. I would also like to thank Shamal’s agents who have been tremendous in helping get this one over the line. Lastly, I want to thank Shamal himself as I know he had far more lucrative offers elsewhere but chose to continue his development with ourselves here at Livingston.”
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