Christian Benteke to Liverpool: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Liverpool finally confirmed the capture of Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke on Wednesday, marking the seventh signing of the Reds' busy summer:

Benteke, who will wear the iconic No. 9 shirt for the Reds, per James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo, scored 13 Premier League goals in 29 matches during 2014-15, enjoying a remarkable run of form once March arrived.

He also led Villa to the FA Cup final—scoring in the semi-final win over Liverpool—underlining the type of quality that forced the Reds to reportedly trigger his £32.5 million buyout clause.

The fee makes the Belgium international Liverpool's second-most expensive player in the history of the club, per David Anderson of the Daily Mirror.

Now he'll be hoping to rejuvenate a Liverpool attack that struggled in last season, per OptaJoe:

Benteke was often the leading light in a difficult situation at Villa Park. With boss Paul Lambert sacked in February, new manager Tim Sherwood quickly found a way of supplying the previously struggling Belgian with opportunities to leave his mark.

Sherwood's men avoided the drop by three points after a worrying campaign, but the summer transfer window hasn't been kind to Villa fans. Alongside Benteke's departure, captain Fabian Delph has joined Manchester City and defensive stalwart Ron Vlaar is no longer with the club, with loanee Tom Cleverley confirming a permanent move to Everton.

Lambert doesn't think Benteke will look back, though, as told to Sky Sports:

"

I think he is going to do great. Christian phoned me yesterday and I had a good chat with him. I am delighted for him, he has got a move to a really big, big club. I hear reports that he can only score from cross balls. Well, Christian Benteke will score for Liverpool.

The chances they create, he will score and, as Christian said yesterday, he is very good with his feet. I knew that anyway from signing him and I think he will be a terrific signing.

"

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Benteke now has a more realistic shot at trophies, and indeed, Champions League football. Liverpool's sixth-placed finish during 14-15 came as a huge disappointment after the club enjoyed a fantastic run to second the year before.

Boss Brendan Rodgers failed to adequately replace Luis Suarez last term—signing Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert, who netted three league goals between them—but Benteke's firepower can be key to the Merseyside club's progress.

He certainly provides Rodgers with options and the ability to do things differently. Benteke can play as a physical hold-up man if needed, but may find himself constantly pushed into the box to round off Liverpool's creative play.

It was always vital Rodgers found a top-class alternative to the constantly injured Daniel Sturridge, a man who could form an effective partnership with Benteke when fit. Liverpool fans will be looking at the creative midfield of Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and new signing Roberto Firmino at this point and salivating.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe took a look at the challenges Benteke is likely to face at Anfield:

While Benteke will be itching to make a splash for Liverpool, his long-term goal for the campaign will be to tie down a place in Marc Wilmots' Belgium team ahead of Euro 2016.

Rodgers was let off the hook after a swathe of signings failed to work out last season. Benteke adds to Firmino, James Milner, Danny Ings, Adam Bogdan, Joe Gomez and Nathaniel Clyne as his summer dealings so far.

The incoming powerhouse's goals will go a long way to determining whether the Northern Irish manager is still in place to upgrade his squad again in a year's time.