According to the latest reports from the Sun, Aston Villa are eyeing a swoop for former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge. The Englishman was born in Birmingham and was part of Villa’s youth system before he moved on to the Coventry City youth side. Therefore one can even term this transfer as a homecoming for Sturridge if he goes on to sign for Aston Villa.
Villa are said to be hopeful about coming up with a package to lure the striker as he is currently a free agent. There is interest for the striker from different quarters, but the local boy might be tempted to move to his youth club.
How can Sturridge fit in?
Dean Smith recently completed the signing of Wesley Moraes for a record transfer fee, and he is likely to be the first choice striker at the club for the next season. We think Sturridge is likely being eyed as a backup option and someone who can make an impact from the bench. If the 29-year-old remains injury free, then he can even give a stiff competition to Moraes to start regularly.
Pros of signing Sturridge
The 2-time Champions League winner is an experienced player, and he has the potential to score regularly as he is a natural in front of goal. Last season, the striker remained mostly injury free and helped Liverpool off the bench on occasions. He still can create something out of nothing as seen from his spectacular strike against Chelsea last campaign.
The forward made 27 appearances last season in all competitions and contributed with four goals. Sturridge still can be a difference maker in the final third, and he has those quick feet which would trouble the defenders.
Cons
There is no doubt that injury will be the biggest concern for any club looking to sign Sturridge. Dean Smith will have to use him carefully throughout the season. However, Villa should gain confidence from the fact that the Champions League winner didn’t suffer any prolonged spells away from the team in the last year. The Englishman has also lost a bit of his natural pace so he might not be as effective as before while making runs in between the defenders.
Nevertheless, on a free transfer, we think that he is definitely worth considering as a backup option. Fans are likely to be divided in their opinions over the striker, but if the forward can find his golden touch, then he can turn out to be a bargain signing for Smith.
