After Bolasie joined Everton and Jedinak moved to Aston Villa, Pardew was thrilled to be backed by his board in the transfer market, adding that Benteke is a player he has long admired.
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The clubs have agreed a deal reported to be worth £27 million (RM141.2 million) plus extras that could rise close to the £32½ million that Liverpool paid Aston Villa for the Belgian worldwide a year ago.
“It’s important when you lose iconic players to try and replace them with iconic players”.
“We’ve lost Mile and Yannick – both big figures at this club”.
“That’s something that didn’t always happen at Newcastle, unfortunately, so I’m pleased the board have been fearless with this move”.
“Benteke is someone I know very well, as I wanted to take him to Newcastle”.
Liverpool forward Christian Benteke (9) moves the ball againsr Roma during their friendly soccer match at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri on August 1, 2016.
As the season progressed, Benteke found himself used less and less, even despite a good start under Rodgers that saw him score on his competitive Anfield debut. However, he fell out of favour with Jurgen Klopp as he did not fit his style of play.
“We have to build a squad where everybody has a perspective to play”, Klopp said. But he’s not our player yet.
“If I was at Arsenal, I’d consider it too”.
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has confirmed that Christian Benteke will have a medical on Friday ahead of his £32 million move from Liverpool.
The Belgian worldwide arrives after Andros Townsend, James Tomkins and Steve Mandanda have already joined Alan Pardew’s side this summer, with the Palace boss under pressure to keep the club moving in the right direction after losing Yannick Bolasie and Mile Jedinak this week.
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Pardew has been delighted with the way the 24-year-old has settled in at Selhurst Park and has told the fans they can expect goals and plenty of assists – especially if one or two new strikers arrive. That’s why we’re making changes, he said.
