According to reports from The Times, Liverpool may have to subsidise Christian Benteke’s wages should he complete a summer transfer to West Ham.
The Belgium international moved to Anfield in a £32.5million transfer last summer after netting 49 times across three campaigns with Aston Villa. But he’s struggled to impact with just eight goals across all competitions this season – seven of which have come in the Premier League.
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The 25-year-old has been issued just seven Premier League starts under Jurgen Klopp – only two more than he managed during Brendan Rodgers’ two months in charge at the start of the season – and despite the German gaffer insisting otherwise, it appears Benteke is not a fixture in his long-term plans with Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi above him in the pecking order.
West Ham were linked with a swoop for Benteke earlier this month and The Times document their interest in a summer transfer once again – but claim a move to East London could see the 6 foot 3 frontman’s salary subsidised by his current club.
Benteke agreed a £120k per week contract with Liverpool and will be reluctant to part with it after less than a year, but the Hammers are only prepared to pay him £80k per week, leaving the Reds with the dilemma of paying the difference or keeping on the high-earning former Villians talisman despite his limited involvement in first team affairs.