Raheem Sterling leaving Liverpool is about ambition and determination to reach the top - not greed
It's not just about money - it’s about being at the right club, playing in the Champions League and being a central part of a club’s plans, writes John Cross
Brendan Rodgers could be left facing a huge dilemma this summer.
Liverpool boss Rodgers has already admitted he “can’t predict” what will happen as
Raheem Sterling ’s contract stand off drags on.
But one thing seems certain: there is no easy fix. And it may leave Liverpool facing up to the very real prospect of
having to cash in on their prize asset sooner rather than later to maximise the price.
Sterling, 20, has two years left on his current deal, the longer it drags on the less he may be worth in the market and this summer it may all come to a crunch.
His age means that he cannot walk away for free even in two years’ time but they would get more from a transfer fee rather than compensation set by a tribunal.
That is why clubs like
Manchester City , Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and now
Arsenal are circling this summer as they feel they may be able to lure Sterling away from Anfield.
Sterling, who is currently on £35,000-a-week, has already put contract talks on hold until the summer.
Liverpool have offered him a new deal worth around £90,000-a-week.
But this is not just about money. It’s about being at the right club, playing in the Champions League and also being a central part of any club’s plans.
That doesn’t just mean being the star player. It means about playing in his best position rather than stuck as a wing back. He is wasted there.
City and Arsenal would certainly make him their main man. They would happily play him through the middle.
Lots of pundits and experts have had their say. It’s largely centred about greed or misinformation.
Moving to Real Madrid or Bayern Munich would surely be more about ambition rather than greed. Neither club are known for paying much more than top Premier League clubs.
And wouldn’t turning down one of those European superpowers suggest a lack of ambition? Going to Madrid or Munich, playing regularly in the Champions League and experiencing a different way of life would push him on as a player and a person.
There’s no doubt that Liverpool have been fantastic for Sterling. They have given him a chance, put him in the first team and last season he was a key part of their title challenge.
But this season, Sterling’s progress hasn’t been as quick. Being stuck as a wing back is part of that, he’s played the last five games with an injection in a toe injury and yet still the pundits pile in on his performances.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher took his turn again last week.
Carragher suggested the fans could turn on him if his contract stand-off dragged on much longer.
This, on the back of Sterling having started at right wing back and then ended up as left wing back against Manchester United. That seems very harsh and unfair on Carragher’s part.
Sterling played for England on Friday night, switching flanks and getting forward.
Over the course of the 90 minutes, I thought Sterling was England’s best player.Funny that. Put him in his best position and he plays well.
Sterling scored and his run and cross for Harry Kane’s goal was out of this world. He played through the pain barrier and then returned to Liverpool to have a break and get ready for Liverpool’s crunch trip to Arsenal.
All of the big clubs will look at Sterling’s England performance and realise his talent. It also proves he can handle pressure. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is a long time admirer and, given any encouragement, they will move for him.
Arsenal’s relationship with Liverpool has still not recovered after the Luis Suarez transfer saga of two years ago. But they are watching developments closely.
Manchester City are expected to bid as soon as the transfer window opens. They have made him their top summer target. Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are watching developments.
Sterling must choose his next career move carefully. So far, he’s done that very well. He’s transformed his public image, he’s very focused on his career and taken good advice from those around him.
He’s quietly spoken in interviews - but that shouldn’t hide his ambition and determination to reach the very top and fulfil his huge potential.
That is what is driving him right now rather than greed. His next career move (whether that’s staying at Liverpool or moving on) has to be right - and it will be.
