Liverpool Transfer News: Christian Benteke Looks Set To Join Liverpool
Liverpool is close to completing a deal for Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke, after triggering a £32.5 million release clause in the Belgian striker’s contract. Benteke would be Liverpool’s fifth major signing of the summer transfer market following James Milner, Danny Ings, Nathaniel Clyne, and Roberto Firmino. The Benteke deal is set to be concluded once the formal paperwork and medical evaluation is completed.
Aston Villa was bound and determined to keep Christian Benteke, following his goal glut upon the arrival of manager Tim Sherwood. Benteke’s goal-scoring form played a pivotal role in the survival of Aston Villa’s Premier League status, and also guided them to the FA Cup finals, overcoming Liverpool in the semi-finals.
10 – Christian Benteke has now scored 10 goals in his last eight Premier League appearances. Rampant.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 2, 2015
Liverpool fans were given a scare as Benteke’s official Twitter account favorited a tweet that contained a rumor linking the 24-year-old to becoming Manchester United’s understudy to Wayne Rooney.
However, supporters had mixed reaction to the news.
Disaster. #Benteke
— Ben Twelves (@bm12s) July 16, 2015
I do rate benteke. Think he’s been unfairly portrayed. Has a lot to offer. #lfc
— Ito Narotomo (@freaky7) July 16, 2015
It’s like Brendan hasn’t learned. Get a tonne of money, immediately throw it at a good player in a lesser team & stick to your ‘philosophy’.
— Connor Armstrong (@ConnorArmstrong) July 16, 2015
Well, if it’s true Benteke is about to be on his way, I’ll support him wholeheartedly. Not my choice, but he’ll be a red and that’s that.
— Jan Gorski-Mescir (@Fydsy) July 16, 2015
In terms of the current going rate in the English transfer market, Benteke will cost 2/3 of a Sterling.
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarretTimes) July 16, 2015
Christian Benteke has been on Liverpool’s radar since the start of the transfer market, and the deal may conclude Liverpool’s spending in the summer. The Reds are determined to repair their goal-shy attack of last season. Liverpool is now expected to offload the likes of Rickie Lambert, Fabio Borini, and Mario Balotelli, as the trio were left out of the pre-season tour to the Far East and Australia.
Can Christian Benteke revive Liverpool’s attacking prowess?
[Photo by Mark Thompson / Getty Images]
