There have been rumblings in the press about it over the last few weeks, but it is finally official, Christian Benitez has signed for the club – subject to medical – in a deal that could cost the club up to £9,000,000.

There has been much discussion on the forum, and virtually everybody was excited about the prospect of a player like this joining the club. Now it has happened, it sends a strong message that the club are VERY serious about equipping us to stay up.

The board has received much criticism over the last couple of years, especially regarding signings. We have discussed the merits of loan signings and if that is good business or not – to be honest I don’t want to go there again. With this signing, I would suggest that even the biggest critic of the board, must be delighted.

Let’s hope this is an indication of the type of player we are going to go after.

Back to the player. There are a number of web sites that give details about him.

Benitez, who is described as a creative player, has scored 31 goals in his past 58 Primera Division games.

The 23-year-old is the son of one of Ecuador’s all-time leading goalscorers, Ermen Benitez, and played in the 2006 World Cup in Germany. From the BBC.

The Brum Mail quote him as the new Messi!

He has scored 31 goals in 58 games in Mexico’s Primera Division over the last two campaigns. Virgin Media.

Finally according to the official site, we shouldn’t have a problem with the work permit because he is a regular for his country.

Exciting days!!