SillySeason writer gives ideas on what Liverpool should do with Sterling funds
It’s inevitable that Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling saga will continue for most of the transfer window, but what exactly should the club do if the young Winger makes his way out of the exit door?
£50million is reportedly the price tag on Sterling‘s head this summer with Manchester City the clear favorites to sign the 20-year-old, and have already had a £20millon bid rejected.
They’ve also recently had a £40million bid rejected, meaning it’s only a matter of time before the former Premier League champions meet the price set by Liverpool.
The question is, should Sterling leave, what do Liverpool actually do with the funds?
Many argue that The Reds wasted the £75million received in return for striker Luis Suarez from Barcelona last summer. The money was spent purely on young talent that has mostly failed to deliver, along with one Italian £16million gamble that just didn’t pay off.
I believe that this summer must be different. Most Liverpool fans are already eager to see the end of this constant media coverage on the Sterling situation, as a Liverpool fan myself, I agree, we need the club to make a decision on whether Sterling is staying or going.
I personally think he will stay, given that the club stood firm two years ago when Suarez wanted to leave for Arsenal. However, £50million is a lot of money, and I think it would be more beneficial for the club to sell, IF the money is spent wisely. To do that, we must prioritize weaker positions.
Nathaniel Clyne – Southampton
Glen Johnson had a troubled final couple of years at Anfield, and it was right for him to leave when he did. Clyne emerges as the perfect replacement. Young, athletic and good going forward, the Southampton right-back will bring new, fresh energy to the team that will be valuable to the back four next season. For me, Clyne is a must buy whether Sterling leaves or not, and £15million is a reasonable price for such a young asset.
Carlos Tevez – Juventus
We’ve all seen what this guy can do, both in the Premier League and in Italy. He has a great goal-scoring record wherever he goes, and at an international level. The question is, at 31-years-old, will the Liverpool board allow Brendan Rodgers to make a move? Rumours of a £10million price tag are flying around, which would be a great deal for Liverpool and a player of that quality. Only time will tell whether Liverpool will be brave enough to make a move on a player of 31, however, they must see that he is a Premier League proven player.
Christian Benteke – Aston Villa
He’s been revived under Tim Sherwood, but in my opinion is too inconsistent with his form. It’s also worth thinking about the style of play that Benteke is used to being part of, is his style a fit for Liverpool? Probably not, just as Balotelli wasn’t this year. Benteke has a hefty price tag with him and is a much bigger risk, in my opinion, Liverpool should steer clear.
Mateo Kovacic – Inter Milan
Linked heavily with the Reds, the 21 year old midfielder is looking likely to make a switch to Anfield this summer. It is thought that Inter Milan are ready to accept a £21.5million bid from Liverpool in the coming days, with the Reds looking to fill the huge hole that captain Steven Gerrard left upon his exit for LA Galaxy. With James Milner already signed however, will Kovacic be able to break into a midfield that already contains Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho and now Milner too? I think once again Rodgers is playing a risky move by signing unknown young talent, but one is sure to pay off eventually.
Summary
The most important thing is for the money to be spent wisely. Liverpool are still expecting to make signings this summer whether Raheem Sterling leaves or not, but they cannot afford to endure another frustrating season with players to don’t deliver. Liverpool fans will have to hold their breath and simply wait and see.
By Ben Kelly – Follow me on Twitter for more articles!
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