Liverpool Reject £30M Crystal Palace Bid for Benteke

Yesterday we speculated that fifth-choice striker Christian Benteke could soon be on his way to London after Crystal Palace offloaded Yannick Bolasie to Everton. This morning, there are multiple reports emerging that Palace did, in fact, return to Liverpool for Benteke, but that bid was promptly rejected.

Palace’s latest offer matches Liverpool’s £30 million valuation, but only after all £7 million of add-ons are considered. That would leave the Reds with only £23 million in guaranteed cash, less than the previous rejected offer last month, believed to be in the £25 million range. There were also rumors of a £27 million plus add-ons deal, worth potentially £31.5 million.

Given Liverpool’s strong stance on the issue so far, it’s no surprise that they would reject such an offer outright. Liverpool might be eager to offload the striker, especially given his significant wages, but they’re certainly not as desperate as many sides are to find a quality, Premier League Proven™ striker. Indeed, Klopp has come out and said that he’s not looking to “give presents away” to the rest of the league by selling a player under market value.

Although we are not privy to the specifics of the add-ons in this proposed deal, The Echo’s James Pearce seemed skeptical that they would ever be triggered:

So, Crystal Palace, you’re going to have to do better. Please and thank you.