Birmingham signed Benitez for cut-price deal

Birmingham City managed to sign Ecuador striker Christian Benitez for a cut-price £1 million, it has been revealed.

The People says they had originally agreed to pay Mexican club Santos Laguna £8.5m for the 23-year-old. But a knee problem showed up during his medical and McLeish was able to negotiate a deal to take him on a year's loan at a reduced sum.

If at the end of the season all parties are happy, there's an option to complete a permanent deal for an £7.5m.

Join the conversation on

Tribalfootball Store

AZ Alkmaar 11/12 SS Home Football Shirt Made By Macron Sponsor AFAS Software Colour Red/White

£24.99 Buy

Sporting Lisbon 11/12 SS Home Football Shirt Made By Puma Colour Green/White

£19.99 Buy

Glasgow Celtic FC 11/12 Away SS Football Shirt Made By Nike Sponsor Tennents Key Players - Lee Naylor,Samaras,M Fortune Colour Emerald Grey/White Hoops

£24.99 Buy

Predator Absolado RX TRX SG Kids Rugby Boots Black/High Energy Orange. Made By Adidas. Absolado Rugby is the take down of the hugely successful Adidas Predator RX Rugby boot.

£39.99 Buy

Mercurial Victory II SG Football Boots Made By Nike Introducing the Mercurial Victory II , a lightweight and reliable choice for players who demand fast manoeuvring and quicker thinking.

£29.99 Buy

Adidas F10 SG Football Boots Made by Adidas. Optimize your lateral quickness, acceleration and handling with the new adidas F10.

£24.99 Buy

The Puma Powercat V1.11 SG Rugby Boot was created with one thing in mind, providing confidence to be your fastest.

£79.99 Buy

Italy 2012/13 Media SS Football Polo Shirt Made By Puma Launched for the Euro 2012 European Championships Material 65% Polyester,35% Cotton Italia Printed across the back in navy Pocket on Left Breast

£34.99 Buy

Comments (3)

i dont care how much he cost he better be as his agent says "as good as ,messi"

Sorry, but that's not strictly true.

It's not a loan, but a staggered permanent deal with a clause for us to terminate the contract during this season should a knee problem crock him for a long period.

We can't get out of the deal any other way, and we will be forced to pay the rest of the transfer fee at the end of the season unless the knee problem shows.

Once again, 'The People' shows that London rags don't really have a clue!

no comment