Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers hopes the imminent arrival of Christian Benteke will instantly boost his side’s firepower.
The Aston Villa striker underwent the first part of a two-stage medical with Reds team doctor Andy Massey, who flew in from Adelaide after leaving the club’s pre-season tour early, in London yesterday afternoon with the process continuing today.
Rodgers made the Belgian his primary target after watching Liverpool score just 52 times in the Premier League last season – down from 101 the previous campaign when Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge almost fired them to the title.
On Sunday, Liverpool concluded negotiations on a payment structure which will see them pay £16 million (Dh92m) up front and the remainder of his £32.5m (Dh186m) release clause over the length of his contract.
“It was just clear we needed to score more goals,” Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo.
“A few years ago we needed to improve our goal tally and we did that and it gave the team a little bit of profit. I feel it was the same this summer.
“We were down on our goals. Overall it is the balance we need to improve offensively and defensively and the players that will contribute to both.”
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The capture of Benteke is seen as a show of support for Rodgers from owners Fenway Sports Group after a robust end-of-season review of a sixth-placed finish resulted in exits for assistant manager Colin Pascoe and first team coach Mike Marsh.
England Under-19 manager Sean O’Driscoll, former midfielder Gary McAllister and academy coach Pepijn Lijnders have been added to the backroom staff while there has been significant recruitment on the playing side.
Brazil international Roberto Firmino, who will become the club’s second-most expensive signing after arriving in a £29m (Dh166m) deal from Hoffenheim, will be at the club’s Melwood training ground tomorrow to begin preparations for the new season.
He and compatriot Philippe Coutinho have been on extended leave after their involvement in the Copa America but will not meet up with the rest of the squad until they return after a friendly in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
Rodgers’ side continued their pre-season preparations with a 2-0 victory over Adelaide United yesterday thanks to goals from James Milner and Danny Ings.
And former Burnley striker Ings was delighted to get his first goal in a red shirt.
“When you come to a club like Liverpool, the sheer size of it is a big deal and I’m just delighted I can get my first goal and hopefully the first of many,” he said.
