Former Liverpool star Phil Thompson thinks that Liverpool’s failure to achieve Champions League football next season will see Raheem Sterling packing his bags and leaving Anfield.
Last Sundays 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge ended whatever slim hope they may have had for a fourth place finish, and that this will have the 20-year-old looking to leave the club.
He told Sky Sports: “I think it will be very difficult for him to stay at Liverpool now. He’s shown all the signs that he’s ready and prepared to leave the club.
“But if he was to stay I would like to think his role will be on the flanks – I don’t think Liverpool can even contemplate him being their main striker next season, because he’s not a natural goal scorer.
“Liverpool need somebody who’s going to get you at least 15 league goals and maybe 25 overall – Raheem Sterling is not going to get you that.
“He’s done well for the team – he’s helped them out up front this season, but I think everyone can see that he’s not quite strong enough for it.
Liverpool fans are a loyal bunch, and Sterling by failing to sign a lucrative £100,000 per-week contact at Anfield has only alienated these fans against him.
At this point we here at Soccer Transfers feel it would be in Liverpool’s best interest to sell the youngster for £35 million if they can get that for him and use the money for someone like Manchester City’s Stevan Jovetic.
The 25-year-old would suit manager Brendan Rodgers style of play and will be eager to get back to the way he was at Fiorentina before moving to City in a £22 million deal.
Have a look at the video below and see if you think he could recapture this form at Anfield.
