Liverpool’s lengthy pursuit of Christian Benteke looks to be heading toward a successful conclusion.
Liverpool doctors are conducting Benteke’s physical examination in London on Monday and Tuesday, and the striker will complete his transfer to the Reds from Aston Villa this week, according to Sky Sports and The Liverpool Echo and The Mail.
Liverpool triggered Benteke’s £32.5 million ($50.6 million) release clause Friday and reportedly agreed to a payment schedule with Aston Villa and contract terms with the player over the weekend. The physical exam is the last formality before the transfer moves from ongoing to “done deal.”
Bentke won’t join his new teammates in Malaysia for the last stop on Liverpool’s 2015 tour. He’ll remain in England and report to Liverpool’s practice facility Wednesday, according to the reports.
Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho also are expected to begin working out at Melwood on Wednesday in their first day of preseason training following their participation in Brazil’s ill-fated 2015 COMNEBOL Copa America campaign.
Benteke will be Liverpool’s seventh summer signing and take the Reds’ summer transfer spending to around the £80 million ($125 million) mark.
Benteke also will be the second-most expensive signing in Liverpool’s history, trailing only Andy Carroll’s £35 million ($55 million) transfer from Newcastle in 2011.
The Reds have been chasing Benteke for at least the last 18 months. They’re finally about to land the Belgian, regardless of whether manager Brendan Rodgers cares to admit it.
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Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@LivEchoLFC
