Crystal Palace transfer news: Eagles complete signing of Christian Benteke from Liverpool in £32m deal

Benteke has signed a four-year contract with Palace after a frustrating year at Liverpool

Christian Benteke has completed his move from Liverpool to Crystal Palace on a four year deal (Getty)

Crystal Palace have announced the completed deal for Belgium striker Christian Benteke, with the former Liverpool forward signing a four-year contract after a £32m deal was agreed between the two Premier League clubs.

The 25-year-old leaves Anfield after a frustrating year in which he scored nine Premier League goals in 29 appearances, half of which came from the substitutes’ bench. Having been brought in from Aston Villa last summer by former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, Benteke started life on Merseyside as first choice striker, though that soon changed following a dip in form and Rodgers’ replacement, Jurgen Klopp, did not favour Benteke compared to the other choices at his disposal.

With Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge and Divock origin ahead of Benteke in the pecking order, Klopp spoke openly of his willingness to let the striker leave, prompting interest from Palace, and after seeing an initial £23m offer plus add-ons rejected, Liverpool accepted an improved offer of £27m with £5m added on – recouping the money Liverpool paid for Benteke 13 months ago.

Speaking to Palace’s official website, Benteke said: “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.

“I feel really happy that the deal has been done and now I can look forward.”

The move was not completed in time for Benteke to feature in Palace’s fixture at Tottenham on Saturday, meaning his potential debut will have to wait until their EFL Cup second round clash against Blackpool on Tuesday night, with his Premier League bow set to come against Bournemouth next weekend.