Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke was still at the Midlands clubs summer training camp in Portugal Thursday night, but is unlikely to play in Villa’s friendly against Sporting Braga in Albufeira on Friday, as he gets ready to become Red’s manager Brendan Rodgers seventh signing of the summer.
Liverpool finally decided to meet Aston Villa’s £32.5 million asking price for the 6ft 3in Belgium international upon learning of Manchester United’s manager Louis van Gaal’s moves to sign the 24-year-old.
Benteke’s signature will take manager Brendan Rodgers summer signings to £80 million following the arrivals of Nathaniel Clyne, Joe Gomez, Adam Bogdan and Roberto Firmino.
The Reds also managed to sign free-agents James Milner and Danny Ings, though they will have to pay Burnley a compensation fee for the latter.
Let’s not forget that Liverpool sold Raheem Sterling to Manchester City for £49 million and with a few other players still destined to leave Merseyside it would appear that Liverpool have done some fantastic business this summer without having to break the bank.
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler is made up over the Reds new signing saying: “I think Benteke could be the main man for Liverpool. He’s probably the perfect player for us.”
