Benteke: Palace switch long time in coming

Christian Benteke admits confirmation of his Premier League future was a long time coming, but is now relishing a fresh start under Alan Pardew at Crystal Palace.

The Belgian has put pen to paper on a four-year deal for £27m at Selhurst Park, ending a one-year stint at Liverpool – despite signing from Aston Villa on a £32.5m deal.

As Pardew’s fourth signing of the summer, Benteke joins Andros Townsend, James Tomkins and Steve Mandanda as a much-needed new arrival for a Palace side yet to net in the Premier League this season.

And with Benteke joining off the back of ten goals for Liverpool last summer – including one against Palace – the man himself is now looking forward to regaining the form that saw him become a focal point of Aston Villa’s squad for three seasons.

(Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

“I’m very happy to come and have my future at Crystal Palace, and I’m looking forward to meeting all the manager, staff and players as well,” he said.

“I feel really happy that the deal has been done and I’m really looking forward to getting going because it’s been a long time.

“But now hopefully everything is going to be okay.”

Benteke could be in line to make his Palace debut in Tuesday night’s EFL Cup clash with Blackpool, although his absence from Liverpool’s pre-season has put his match fitness in doubt.