Chelsea FC Rumored Target Raheem Sterling to Leave Liverpool FC
The ‘Silly Season’ is officially upon us. Otherwise known as the Summer Transfer Window, there are several headlines which will keep football fans occupied during the break. The most polarizing story on the backpages centers on Liverpool’s attacking midfielder, Raheem Sterling, and his defiant agent. Sterling and his agent, Aidy Ward, have drawn unwanted attention to his current club regarding a contract extension and the 20-year-old’s reluctance to extend his time at Anfield.
It appears that no sum of sterling will keep him with the Reds either. According to The Standard Ward said, “He is definitely not signing. He’s not signing for £700, £800, £900 thousand a week. He is not signing. My job is to make sure I do the best with them (my clients).
If people say I am bad at my job, or they are badly advised it does not matter.” I regret to inform Mr. Ward, but this is a textbook example of being “badly advised.” Sterling is 20 years old. He is not a 28-year-old looking for his last huge contract with a club that can be guaranteed to hunt for major trophies the next season, a la Fernando Torres.
Sterling is a budding star on the international stage for England, as well as the club level. The England international might become one of the biggest stars of England’s next generation of talent, but moving to a new club and carrying on the way he and his agent insist on doing, will not endear him to English fans or supporters of his new club, wherever that may be.
He told the BBC he was not a “money-grabber,” according to The Standard, but he is rapidly earning that distinction. Sterling allegedly had his car kicked by a supporter as he left the Liverpool training ground, and was booed after receiving the Liverpool Young Player of the Year Award.
Jul 30, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Liverpool FC forward Raheem Sterling (31) scores a goal in front of Manchester City FC defender Micah Richards (2) during the second half of a game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Chelsea FC is a rumored destination for the London native, Sterling. Personally, I have no interest in seeing him in Blue. His reputation has become that of a great young talent with excellent pace and goal scoring ability, but his attitude leaves much to be desired. In short, he has a great deal of growing up to do.
I think he should do that growing up at Anfield. He would be able to continue to be the main target there and receive as much help from Brendan Rodgers as possible to help him reach his true potential. I’m afraid it’s too little too late. The relationship with Liverpool FC and Sterling has been fractured, potentially with no way to be mended.
The rumors that have most likely come from his management and agent linking him in the press with moves to Europe’s elite only fuel the player’s ego even further than it already is. Graeme Souness said, “At the end of the day, he’s maybe being advised by people who have the wrong priorities – right now it’s all about him learning how to play the game, understanding the game and improving.
Nothing is ever set in stone but he’s privately making it known that the wants to leave Liverpool then that news will get out and the fans will be entitled to turn on him.” I’m not concerned with whether or not Liverpool wins another trophy ever again, but Chelsea is not the answer for the player. He can focus on honing his skills at Liverpool, as Mr. Souness suggests.
Where would Sterling feature for the Blues? He won’t play up front, he won’t play out wide left, and he won’t play wide right, at least consistently. Those places are reserved for Diego Costa, Eden Hazard, and Willian respectively. The Blues must look elsewhere for new attacking talent, but should ensure the dressing room stays as positive and full of respect for each other as it seems to be after lifting the Premier League trophy.
Next: Chelsea FC Post-Season Awards - Player, Goal, And Young Player Of The Year