Christian Benteke Completes Transfer

Christian Benteke has finalised his £32.5 million switch from Aston Villa to Liverpool on a five-year deal, becoming the club’s second most expensive signing. The striker, who undertook a two-part medical in London on Monday and Tuesday with club doctor Andy Massey, was the priority target for Brendan Rodgers. The Reds boss is determined to reverse last season’s shortage of goals and believes the 24-year-old is the key element in restoring bite up front as Daniel Sturridge continues his rehabilitation from hip surgery. Liverpool had to activate Benteke’s hefty release clause as Villa were reluctant sellers, placing the Belgian just behind fellow forward Andy Carroll (£35m) on the list of the club’s biggest purchases. While the outlay of cash is similar, the Reds are confident their new acquisition will contribute on a much larger scale than Carroll did as he is a different prospect - technically superior as well as more mobile and explosive.