The longest running transfer sagas of this summer came to an end as Liverpool have completed a deal to sign Belgian striker Christian Benteke from Aston Villa, after triggering his £32.5million release clause.
#LFC are delighted to confirm the signing of Belgian striker @bentekechris20 from @AVFCOfficial #BentekeLFC pic.twitter.com/QODMLLUGhn
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 22, 2015
Benteke becomes the club’s seventh major signing of the summer, and their second most expensive ever in history, right behind the £35 million paid for Andy Carroll.
It is understood that the Belgian have signed a five-year contract after undergoing a two-part medical in London, and also see Liverpool pay £16million up front with the remainder of the fee payable over the course of his contract.
Speaking immediately after completing the paperwork, Benteke told the club’s official website: I’m very happy to be part of the Liverpool family now and I will do everything to make them happy and work hard for them and my team-mates.
“I would like to thank the owners, Ian (Ayre) and of course the manager for their massive effort to bring me here.”
“I think it was the right club for me because I had a good chat with the manager and I wanted to be part of his project,” he said, according to Eurosport news.
Read the full story on @bentekechris20 signing a long-term #LFC contract here: http://t.co/1eZUwnnGEm #BentekeLFC pic.twitter.com/LMZHB7ytZK
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 22, 2015
Benteke has 24 caps and seven goals for Belgium to date. 10 key facts here: http://t.co/92ZLZTPTuS #BentekeLFC pic.twitter.com/iYuLKu0fH5
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 22, 2015
Benteke played 100 games for Villa in three seasons, scoring 42 league goals in 88 games. His 12 goals towards the end of last season, particularly, helped Villa avoid relegation.
The Belgian could see himself partnering another expensive capture, Roberto Firmino, who was seen training in Melwood after returning from his break.
The rest of Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool squad are currently training in Kuala Lumpur ahead of their Friday fixture against a Malaysian Select XI at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
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