LIVERPOOL, Sporting Alert – Liverpool confirmed on Wednesday the signing of striker Christian Benteke from Aston Villa for a fee of £32.5m.
Benteke, who was linked with several big-name clubs in the Premier League and around Europe, completed his two-day medical examination this week and is now an official player at Anfield.
The Belgian scored 49 goals in 101 games for Aston Villa since making his £7m move to England from Genk in 2012.
The 24-year-old who was also linked with Manchester United became Brendan Rodgers’ eighth signing this summer, as the Reds boss look to work his way back into the top four next season.
“I’m very happy to be here and I would like to thank the owners, Ian (Ayre, chief executive who pushed the deal through) and of course the manager for their massive effort to bring me here,” the striker said on www.liverpoolfc.com
“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.
“I know Liverpool is a big story. They’ve won league titles and the Champions League five times and of course the UEFA Cup and a lot of trophies. I know it’s a big club.
“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.”
Benteke, who has made 24 appearances for Belgium has also scored seven international goals. He missed last year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil because of an injury.
