10 most expensive signings by Liverpool

1) Christian Benteke - €46.5m

Christian Benteke became Liverpool’s most expensive signing in the summer of 2015

Liverpool’s then manager Brendan Rodgers’ search for an aerial goal-scoring threat in his side was thought to have ended with the purchase of Benteke. The tall Belgian forward’s exploits at Aston Villa and his role in enabling them to avoid relegation wasn’t missed by the Reds gaffer; the player’s release clause was triggered for a record fee of €46.5m in the summer of 2015.

Benteke struggled to fit in at Liverpool and injuries didn’t help his cause. He managed to score just 9 goals in 29 Premier League outings for the Reds, a far cry from his prolific scoring rate at Aston Villa.

A change of guard at Liverpool in October 2015, with Jürgen Klopp assuming reins of the head coach, did nothing to improve the striker’s position at the club as he fell far behind in the pecking order. Benteke’s lack of movement and suffering confidence levels combined with the Reds’ style of play lacking in crosses, eventually left him as fourth choice striker behind Daniel Sturridge, Belgian compatriot Divock Origi and Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino.