Share

McKenzie backs Benteke to Palace

Cape Town - Former Crystal Palace striker Leon McKenzie believes transfer target Christian Benteke would be an ideal signing for the London club.

Alan Pardew is reported to have lodged a £25m bid for the Liverpool striker when the transfer window officially opened, as he looks to bring goals to Selhurst Park and transform the Eagles into a consistent top-half Premier League outfit.

The Belgium international joined the Reds last season for a mammoth £32.5m from Aston Villa but started only eight league games after Jurgen Klopp took charge of the club.

Despite Benteke's agent denying a potential move, McKenzie feels both parties can benefit from the potential transfer as Pardew continues to show major ambition in the transfer market.

"Crystal Palace need an out-and-out goal scorer who is fast, sharp and brings something a little bit different. Christian Benteke certainly has those attributes," he told Sky Sports.

"I think he would be a good addition and he needs to rediscover what made him such a valuable player in the first place.

"A lot of it is down to man-management and Alan Pardew will always be able to get the best out of certain players.

"Pardew could perhaps get Benteke back to where he was before. It would be good move for him and hopefully Palace can get him."

"Crystal Palace are an established Premier League team now," he went on to explain.

"There is no yo-yo aspect involved with the club any more. They hold their own and have done so for several years now. That sort of money is now available as a result of staying in the Premier League."

Palace have signed three players already this summer with England international Andros Townsend, defender James Tomkins and French goalkeeper Steve Mandanda arriving at the club.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE