Sterling Contract Saga
Sterlings a youthful talent who prospers in a team building for the future, he has been offered a £100,000 contract and has had the opportunity to play in the champions league, what more could a player at the age of 20 want?
Why has he declined a £100,000 contract?
During his recent interview he explained that the reason he didn't sign this contract was because he wanted trophies. He emphasised that it wasn't the money and instead he said he just wanted to be the best player he could be. He said he is waiting to the end of the season to see his options and go from there. Possibly the addition of some silverware in the Fa Cup or the guarantee of Champions League football next season could tempt him to stay.
Will his departure have a big impact?
With the departure of Gerrard at the end of the season, who by many is regarded as the best player to have ever worn the Liverpool shirt it signals a departure of a man who single handedly won us not only games but titles, Additionally just a season ago we lost Suarez who is currently one of the best players in the world. This legendary/world class status isn't possessed by Sterling meaning his departure won't be as significant. However he is still a very good player who's pace and trickery on the wing will be a real loss should he depart. He's been a consistent starter this season for Liverpool scoring six goals and assisting seven in twenty eight games. With that he has been very versatile starting a portion of his games in his preferred right wing position, another portion upfront due to the injury of Sturridge and most recently adopting a right wing back position. There is no doubt about his impact on the club but he isn't irreplaceable.
Where would he go?
There has been interest from loads of clubs the most recent coming from Arsenal. But surely this rumour has no substance as in his recent interview, as I outlined earlier, he said he wants to win trophies. Arsenal are a very good team but they can't guarantee trophies. In the last few years their only noteworthy trophies have been the Fa Cup and the Community Shield.
He has also gained interest from the biggest club in Europe, Real Madrid. Since arriving at the Bernabeu Bale has struggled and has been on the receiving end of a lot of hate from his own fans. Bale arrived at the Bernabeu at the end of his best season ever, scoring a whopping 21 goals in 33 matches, yet his confidence was still able to slide along with his performances. Thats why the move wouldn't be right for Sterling as I don't think at the age of 20 you would be able to deal with the pressure of 80,000 people watching you every week and judging you on everything you do. He is best at a club like Liverpool that can carefully nurture him and help him grow as a player whilst also providing him with the possibility of silverware
