Tim Sherwood has urged Liverpool transfer target Christian Benteke to stay at Villa Park until the European Championship. According to reports, Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke has a £32.5m release clause in his contract, and Liverpool have to meet the release clause if they are hoping to sign th Belgian international. It is reported Christian Benteke is Liverpool’s top priority in the summer and are expected to submit a bid after Aston Villa’s FA Cup final against Arsenal on Saturday.
Tim Sherwood : “There’s a buyout clause in his contract so it will be impossible for us to stop him if he wanted to go.
“But someone has to meet that buyout clause because if they don’t, it won’t even be considered. We don’t want to lose him.
“Liverpool are still a huge football club but it is up to the individual involved. I can’t make that decision for him, I want him to stay here.
“Am I surprised there’s a buyout clause? No, it’s probably £100million!
“Most players would have that when they sign new contracts. I don’t know what the figure is, but it would be quite substantial.”
Christian Benteke has scored 12 goals in his last 14 appearances and Sherwood believes he could be playing for the likes of Real Madrid next if he could continue his goal scoring form. Sherwood also believes Benteke will struggle at a club like Liverpool as they don’t cross the ball too often, and he’ll find it difficult to score goals.
“He’s made no indication he wants to leave. I’ve not had a conversation with him,” he said.
“I don’t think he should be moving clubs before the European Championships. That is a huge stage and it will be a tournament where Belgium will probably be one of the favourites to win.
“Playing for Aston Villa has not hindered him being first choice for Belgium up until now. To come here and score at the ratio he has scored, if he ends up with 20 to 30 goals next season and then has a great tournament, he is probably playing for Real Madrid.
“All he has to do is look at the history of players who leave for pastures new and think it’s bigger and better. And they don’t play and look for another home.
“We cross more balls into the box than any other club in the league and I think Christian would say he feeds off crosses. There is no point going to a club that does not cross the ball.
“Christian could go to the best club in the world if he scores 30 goals next season. He could be that good.”