Mascherano joins Liverpool after the clubs' lawyers worked out a deal with FIFA to bend the rules which state that a player cannot play for more than two clubs in a twelve month period.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was obviously delighted at being able to secure the services of a youngster that showed his world class talents last summer before joining the Hammers on deadline day with his compatriot Carlos Tevez.
“We have an agreement to take him on loan for 18 months then we have an option to sign him permanently.” Benitez told the Daily Mail.
“He is a top class player and played at the top level at the World Cup. We were monitoring him when he was with River Plate. The only question is whether he can play to his level in England, but I know he can play a lot better than he did at West Ham.
“Maybe Liverpool can be a better option for him because we can speak in Spanish to him and we play a different style of football that suits him better. Corinthians and River Plate are top sides in their countries and he is used to winning trophies. I think he will have more possibilities with us.”