Liverpool confirms signing of Christian Benteke from Aston Villa

It's official: Christian Benteke is heading to Anfield.

Liverpool confirmed the signing of the 24-year-old forward from Aston Villa on Wednesday after he successfully completed a medical and put pen to paper on a long-term contract.

Benteke's transfer is valued at £32.5 million, making it the second-most expensive signing in the Merseyside club's history after Andy Carroll. He reportedly signed a five-year contract after undergoing a two-part medical in London earlier this week, and the transfer will see Liverpool pay £16 million up front and the remainder over the course of his deal, according to the Guardian, among other sources.

"I'm very happy to be here and I would like to thank the owners, Ian (Ayre) and of course the manager for their massive effort to bring me here," said Benteke in his first interview with Liverpool.

"I think it was the right club for me because I had a good chat with the manager and I wanted to be part of this project."

When asked about what he'll imagine it'll be like running out in front of the home supporters at Anfield, Benteke replied: "I think when I came here with Aston Villa (it was) a great feeling to play at Anfield. Now, to be in the home shirt is going to be an exciting feeling."

Since joining Villa from Genk in 2012, Benteke has established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in the Premier League, notching 49 goals through 101 appearances - numbers that will surely be welcomed by Liverpool.

Benteke's transfer will come as a blow to Villa manager Tim Sherwood, who stated at the end of May that he was "convinced" the player would remain with his side.

"I have no reason to believe he wants to seek employment elsewhere," Sherwood said.

It was reported in mid-June that Liverpool had turned to other players after refusing to meet Benteke's release fee. Of course, however, that was before the club sold Raheem Sterling to Manchester City for a reported £49 million.