Christian Benteke has completed his move from Liverpool to Crystal Palace, joining the south-London side for a reported £27 million fee that could rise to £32 million.
It means that Liverpool could recoup all the money they paid Aston Villa for the Belgian’s services just over a year ago.
The 25-year-old was signed by Brendan Rodgers last summer, despite widespread debate from supporters at the fee and suitability to the club’s style.
Benteke scored 10 goals in 42 total appearances during his season at Anfield – which isn’t a terrible record considering only 20 of those appearances where starts.
He fell down the forward pecking order after Jurgen Klopp‘s arrival, only starting in latter league games when Klopp rotated his squad ahead of European games last season. He then didn’t feature in a minute this pre-season.
Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Roberto Firmino and Danny Ings were all ahead of him this season.
“I’m very happy to commit my future to Crystal Palace and I’m looking forward to meeting the manager, the players and the staff,” Benteke told Palace’s official website.
“I feel really happy that the deal has been done and now I can look forward.”
Benteke is the eighth player to be sold this summer, following the sales of Jordan Rossiter, Jerome Sinclair, Joao Carlos Teixeira, Sergi Canos, Jordon Ibe, Martin Skrtel, Joe Allen and Brad Smith.
Benteke’s sale means Liverpool have no recouped more money than they have spent this summer.
A move to Selhurst Park will likely suit Benteke, who will benefit from the delivery of fellow summer arrival Andros Townsend.
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