Liverpool make emphatic decision on 27-year-old international after frustrating season – report
By Matt Farr
Liverpool are set to snub any approach for out-of-favour goalscorer Daniel Sturridge this summer, according to a report.
The Mirror claim that manager Jurgen Klopp is reluctant to spend big money on a replacement for the 27-year-old striker, and will therefore refuse to sanction his sale in the coming months.
Sturridge has already attracted keen interest from a number of clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and West Ham, as his time at the club looked to be fast running out after a frustrating season in 2016-17.
The 25-time international scored just three goals from 20 Premier League appearances last term, having failed to earn a regular run in the first-team due to his continued struggles with injury.
His career at Anfield has been plagued by injuries, and his lack of availability and match fitness has seen frustrations grow in the Liverpool camp as to his value to the squad.
However, after a meeting with his backroom staff, Klopp has made the emphatic decision to keep Sturridge on board for the upcoming campaign, and rebuff any interest in his services.
A discussion with the club’s scouts and coaching staff revealed that it could be difficult to land a replacement for the striker in the current market of both the same quality, and at a similar price to Sturridge.
Football Insider verdict
Klopp’s reasoning for blocking the potential sale of Sturridge this summer is understandable, but there will still be questions raised over his decision. Given Sturridge’s continued inability to remain match fit for large parts of the season, Liverpool can no longer rely on the player to lead the line week-in, week-out, despite his clear goalscoring talent. Most English clubs would snap him up in a heartbeat, but they would be reluctant to splash out a large sum on a player with so many injury issues. He could be worth keeping on board for the upcoming Champions League campaign, but if he can’t establish himself as an important part of the squad next term, Klopp should make a different decision in a years’ time.
In other Liverpool transfer news, Klopp has also made a big decision on the future of this senior player after contact was made over a summer deal.
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