Liverpool sign Christian Benteke from Aston Villa for £32.5m

Liverpool met Benteke’s release clause to sign him from Aston Villa

Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke has officially made the switch to Liverpool, according to Liverpool’s official website. The Belgian international’s move to Anfield was expected after the Reds triggered the 24-year-old’s £32.5 million release clause at Villa Park. That makes him the club’s second most expensive signing after Andy Carroll.

According to The Guardian, Liverpool will reportedly pay £16m up front with the remaining amount being paid over the length of Benteke’s contract at Merseyside. Things have moved at a swift pace since reports of the release clause being met by the Anfield club emerged. Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre had been in talks with his Villa counterpart Tom Fox and the finer details of the payment have now been agreed.

Benteke happy to join Liverpool

After making the switch, Benteke said on the Liverpool website: "I'm very happy to be here and I would like to thank the owners, Ian [Ayre] and of course the manager for their massive effort to bring me here.

"It's hard to show your emotion when you've just come from doing something [like this] but of course I am very happy."

“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.”

Brendan Rodgers finally gets his man

Benteke has been on Liverpool’s radar all summer and the player himself was reported to be interested in a move to Anfield. With all payment details settled, Brendan Rodgers can finally complete the signing of his main summer target.

Rodgers has seen his Liverpool side struggle for goals since the departure of Luis Saurez to Barcelona last summer. Daniel Sturridge has been struggling with injury while Raheem Sterling completed his transfer to Manchester City a few days ago.

The 42-year-old is a keen admirer of the 6’ 3’’ striker who has scored 49 goals in 101 games for Villa since joining them Genk in 2012. Brendan Rodgers himself is no stranger to the Belgian striker’s abilities as he scored five goals against his side in all competitions last season.

#LFC are delighted to confirm the signing of Belgian striker @bentekechris20 from @AVFCOfficial #BentekeLFC pic.twitter.com/QODMLLUGhn

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 22, 2015