The Belgian striker was left out in the cold at Anfield under Jurgen Klopp but he will have the chance to resurrect his career in the Premier League next season.
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Palace have not disclosed the transfer fee they have paid for the 25-year-old Belgium worldwide but it is an initial £27m plus £5m in add-ons, according to Sky sources. Their move for Benteke had become more determined thanks to Everton’s £25M purchase of Yannick Bolasie from the Eagles earlier this week. “I thank them that we got it this far, although it’s not complete”.
“That’s something that didn’t always happen at [his former club] Newcastle, unfortunately, so I’m pleased the board have been fearless with this move”.
But I think anyone who knows Andros and that has worked with him will know that professionalism of him is really top drawer. “He gets the sort of goals you would expect, but now and then he just pulls a rabbit out of the hat with a goal”.
He is expected to retain his place despite Palace’s disappointing performance in last week’s 1-0 home defeat by West Brom.
Pardew told a news conference prior to Saturday’s visit to Tottenham Hotspur that “everything” has been agreed with the Anfield club for the transfer of the Belgium worldwide. We’ve agreed everything with Liverpool. Show me your best and I will make decisions and the most comfortable decision for me would be that the decisions are really hard to make.
But Pardew believes Benteke will provide the ideal lift after the disappointment of losing star winger Yannick Bolasie to Everton.
“We have not scored a goal yet, but I can not fault my players”.
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Pardew all-but-confirmed the signing at Friday’s press conference ahead of a trip to Tottenham, admitting Benteke was on his way to south London. They insisted that Benteke would not be sold on the cheap – as a “present” – despite his status as a fringe player.
