Atletico Madrid linked with move for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke to replace Radamel Falcao

The Belgian forward had a hugely impressive debut season in the Premier League

Tuesday 04 June 2013 11:29 BST
Comments
Christian Benteke celebrates scoring for Aston Villa against Stoke
Christian Benteke celebrates scoring for Aston Villa against Stoke (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Thibaut Courtois believes Belgium team-mate Christian Benteke could be just the man Atletico Madrid need to fill the sizeable gap left by Radamel Falcao's big-money move to Monaco.

Atletico snapped up young Rayo Vallecano striker Leo Baptistao yesterday as they seek to replace the prolific Falcao and have also been linked with a number of other forwards.

One of these is Benteke, who won himself a long list of admirers with his performances for Aston Villa last season, and goalkeeper Courtois believes Atletico would get themselves a "great signing" if they lure the 22-year-old to the Vicente Calderon.

"He's a very strong centre-forward, tall, but with very good technique and skilful with the ball at his feet," said Courtois, who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Atletico from Chelsea.

"I think that he could be a great signing for Atletico. During these days with the national team and I'm going to ask him about his future."

Courtois added of the former Genk forward in quotes reported by the Spanish press: "I know him well, we played together when we were young. Benteke is a player who has worked hard, he left Genk and had several loans spells that has helped him grow.

"He had a sensational 2011/12 season with Genk and that led to the attention from the Premier League."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in