If recent reports are to be believed, then Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is dead against selling striker Daniel Sturridge this summer as the German boss believes that the cost of replacing him would be too much in the current inflated transfer market.
And with the English striker’s contract at Anfield running till 2019, the player wouldn’t have much to do except to remain mostly a bench player for yet another season. His availability in the transfer market had kept numerous clubs on red alert and Liverpool will definitely have no lack of suitors in selling the forward. But, it is his replacement which concerns him the most.
Despite being terribly injury prone, his quality in front of the goal is undeniable, and Klopp will surely struggle to get a like for like replacement for him now. He has already discussed the matter with the senior members of the scouting and coaching staff and Sturridge’s possibility of staying at Anfield look very much possible now.
Klopp is of the opinion that any money received for the striker would be insufficient to buy his replacement and Liverpool would only sell him if there is a mammoth offer on the table. And there is absolutely no reason to believe that the striker won’t be able to fetch Liverpool such money. Everyone remembers his terrific partnership with Luis Suarez in the 2013-14 season when he was simply unstoppable up-front scoring 22 goals in 29 appearances.
And although Klopp was even heard calling the player “unbelievable”, once, he has fallen the down the pecking order now. With the likes of Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi available as the perfect options to play Klopp’s favourable number nine up front, Sturridge’s value has come down.
This is apart from his huge predicament of injuries. Since arriving at the Merseyside club back in in 2012, the English forward has missed a staggering 86 games over the last five seasons. In the last season itself, he had to miss 11 games owing to injuries and his dip in form also saw him getting irregular first team action.
The fans can only hope he spends less time on the injury table next season as Liverpool will be needing his backup services next season more than anything else. With Champions League football next season, he could be a deadly weapon for Liverpool and good displays could definitely get him a spot in England’s World Cup squad. He is set to return to Liverpool’s pre-season tour that is expected to start later this week.
