Robbie Fowler is desperate for Liverpool to sign a top-class striker ahead of the new season, and he feels Christian Benteke fits the bill.
Having lost Luis Suarez to Barcelona last summer and Daniel Sturridge to injury for much of the campaign, the Reds were unable to build on their second place finish to the 2013/14 Premier League campaign last term. Indeed, their regression saw them miss out on a top-four place by eight points, as they trailed behind in fifth position.
This led to speculation surrounding the future of Brendan Rodgers, but the head coach remains at the club and has been backed in the transfer window this summer. Hoffenheim forward Roberto Firmino could end the second most expensive signing in their history at £28million, whilst Danny Ings and James Milner are amongst other additions.
Next up for Liverpool is likely to be a striker with a proven record of scoring in the top-flight on a regular basis, with reports suggesting the club are on the verge of paying £32.5million to meet Benteke’s release clause. And this would be a move welcomed by Fowler, who believes the Aston Villa forward is exactly what his former club need.
“It’s important we get a proven goalscorer and of the names being bandied about I’d go for Benteke. I think he’s excellent,” he told the Liverpool Echo. “I know there are other top strikers out there and probably more prolific scorers. But in terms of all-round play – strength, speed, physicality, finishing – I think Benteke could be the main man.”
The Belgium international has been at the Midlands club since the summer of 2012, and has returned 19, 10 and 13 goals in his three Premier League seasons in England. He has also scored seven times in 24 appearances for his country, and at the age of just 24, it would be a fair assumption to suggest there is still plenty more to come from the forward.
