Could Raheem Sterling's Contract Saga Hurt His Value?
"I don't want to be perceived as a money-grabbing 20-year-old," said Raheem Sterling to BBC Sport correspondent Natalie Pirks just over a fortnight ago.
Sterling's comments were made after the England international rejected a contract extension from Liverpool—worth in excess of £100,000 per week. His logic for turning down the offer was simple, Sterling wants to wait until the summer to negotiate, whereas the Reds appear fervent on pinning the attacker down as soon as humanly possible.
Whether for greed or better perspective on his club's future (i.e. Champions League football), the 20-year-old has created a firestorm.
TOP NEWS
Madrid Fines Players $590K 😲
'Mbappé Out' Petition Gaining Steam 😳
Star-Studded World Cup Ad 🤩
Addressing the claims in his BBC interview, the "money-grabbing" aspect of Sterling's story is unavoidable. Footballers are often painted as avaricious individuals, whose main aim is to make the most money possible—regardless of outside judgement.
Truthfully, many in contemporary society—irrespective of profession—are exactly the same, but their jobs are not broadcast around the globe, and 45,000 people seldom pay admission fees to watch grocers stock shelves or accountants crunch numbers.
Liverpool's youthful star lives in a different stratosphere than most, so his temperament should be somewhat understandable; that being said—despite assertions to the contrary—Sterling has not done himself any favours in the court of public opinion.
No matter the context, turning down lucrative figures is never an endearing trait—especially to club supporters, who would play for free if asked.
While fans and media members are one section, a second faction exists who clearly understand Sterling's intentions: Liverpool Football Club. Those watching the game, and in some cases covering, tend to forget football is a business above all else; Liverpool cannot afford their best young piece to leave Anfield and expect to enjoy immediate success.
Having played 122 senior matches for the Reds in four seasons, Sterling appears Liverpool's cornerstone for the next decade; what better way to keep him than making him slightly radioactive?
If clubs interested are made to believe the 20-year-old is indeed greedy and a dressing-room malcontent—why bother trying to sign him? There is little coincidence the figures of Sterling's offered contract were made public, as it plays into the construct of his alleged greedy nature.
What Liverpool cannot force the attacking midfielder to do (though they should try everything they can) is sign; offering even £200,000 per week to a player looking at options makes no difference.
Still under contract until 2016/17, the club's figurative hands are tied.
Either Sterling waits for an offer so outrageous (in the Wayne Rooney neighbourhood) he cannot help but sign, he waits two seasons and becomes a free agent or Liverpool, seeing no long-term solution, are forced to sell—lest they lose on all fronts.
This is where bashing Sterling's reputation in the early rounds becomes problematic, supposing Liverpool are forced to sell the 20-year-old.
As noted by Rob Shepherd of the Daily Mail, the Reds require £50 million to relinquish the Englishman—with Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United thought to be interested. After a steady media campaign, though, who in England would play Liverpool’s price tag for this perceived rabble-rousing mercenary?
Though some clubs might have paid ludicrous transfer fees in times predating UEFA's financial fair play, giving an English rival £50 million for a player doused in controversy—and who has not proved himself outside of Premier League competition—seems a bridge too far.
Luckily or unluckily for Liverpool, in their eagerness to negotiate with an uninterested party, they may wind up undercutting the value of their own player—making his exit more likely; clubs unwilling or hesitant to pay £50 million for Sterling would certainly consider £30 to 35 million for an exciting, homegrown 20-year-old.
Sterling is without doubt one of England's best under-21 prospects, and in the correct environment he will flourish. At present, that environment looks to be with Brendan Rodgers at Anfield. Leaving the club would prove an elephantine gamble, and one with potential to backfire.
For every successful contract saga, there are 10 failures. Sterling should remain with the Reds for the time being, further develop his game, then look for greener pastures should they exist.
Telling others how to go about their own hopes, dreams and aspirations, however, is futile on almost every occasion. Sterling may not see himself with Liverpool two, five or 10 years from now.
Being a fantastic young footballer, the Jamaican-born Englishman has unbridled purchase over his future and cannot be forced into making choices he feels will be detrimental to his career.
At only 20 years old, Sterling's decisions may be questionable—but who is anyone to begrudge him his freedom?
*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase.com where not noted.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
