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Striker seals Blues move
Birmingham City, 15:42, July 7, 2009 ,
Birmingham have completed the club record signing of Ecuador striker Christian Benitez, for a fee that could rise to £8million.
The 23-year-old has been a summer-long target for Blues but a knee problem led to claims that the deal would have to be renegotiated with his club Santos Laguna.
But both parties have now reached an agreement and Benitez, who is currently recovering after shoulder surgery, has signed a three-year deal at St Andrews.
Speaking about the move, Benitez said: "I am really happy to have signed for Birmingham City and am looking forward to playing for the Blues.
"I think it is the right time for Christian Benitez to take on the challenge of the Premier League and I will be giving everything to score as many goals as possible and share in good times with this club."
A work permit should not be an issue for the club, as Benitez has played in 86 per cent of Ecuador's competitive matches - well above the required amount.