4 Potential Destinations for Daniel Sturridge If He Leaves Liverpool
Daniel Sturridge is on his way out of Anfield, if new reports coming out of Liverpool are correct.
According to both Sami Mokbel and Neil Ashton at the Daily Mail, and John Cross at the Daily Mirror, Sturridge is upset with the amount of bad press he's been receiving over his injury record. Per Mokbel and Ashton, "Sturridge is fed up at a growing perception that he lacks the hunger to fulfil his potential and believes a clean break is required this summer."
Because of his chronic injury woes, Sturridge made just 19 appearances last season, with six so far this term, according to Cross. But with more than three years remaining on his contract, the 26-year-old's market value still stands at €25 million, per Transfermarkt.
So if Sturridge does leave Liverpool this summer, where will he go? Here, Bleacher Report lists four potential destinations.
Arsenal
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Arsenal's primary option at center-forward is Olivier Giroud, who's a perfectly serviceable player. However, he's not the world-class striker for whom some supporters have been pining. Theo Walcott, Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez can all play in that position as well, but their primary roles are out wide.
With Giroud turning 30 in September, manager Arsene Wenger might very well consider signing a new striker this summer. If Daniel Sturridge is available, he certainly has the quality to fit into Arsenal's squad. However, his injury issues would represent a considerable red flag for the Gunners.
According to Mokbel and Ashton at the Daily Mail, Arsenal were interested in Sturridge in 2013 but did not make a move for financial reasons.
Verdict: At the right price, Sturridge could be an appealing option for Arsenal, but his injury record is a major concern.
Manchester United
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It hasn't happened in 52 years, but there are examples of players moving between Liverpool and Manchester United. That said, the bitter rivalry means it's unlikely that United would move for Sturridge.
And yet, manager Louis van Gaal—or whoever is in charge at Old Trafford next season—could be on the lookout for further striking options this summer. Wayne Rooney turns 31 in October, and Anthony Martial, though obviously a huge talent, is still developing.
According to Martin Lipton at the Sun, both United and Arsenal are considering £15 million bids for Sturridge once the transfer window reopens this summer.
Verdict: Liverpool probably wouldn't sell for so little, and the rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United makes any deal a long shot.
Tottenham Hotspur
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Tottenham Hotspur have a clear first-choice striker in the prolific Harry Kane, and unless the club decides to sell, he'll fill that position for years to come. However, an injury to Kane would leave Spurs with few options, meaning a summer move for a center-forward could be on the cards.
So far, there aren't any strong rumors of any interest from Tottenham in the player, but both the Mail and the Mirror list Spurs among potential destinations.
Verdict: For now, there's just too little out there to suggest Tottenham are really interested. Besides, signing an injury-prone striker as a potential backup for Kane wouldn't quite make sense.
West Ham United (Or Another Club Outside the Premier League's Big Guns?)
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As was the case in the previous slide with Tottenham Hotspur, so it is with West Ham United. Except that, in this case, the reports are even more tenuous.
Follow along for a moment. According to the Daily Mail, Sturridge prefers a move to another Premier League club—as opposed to, say, a continental European destination. Meanwhile, Cross' report at the Daily Mirror indicates that West Ham will be in the market for a striker this summer.
So, are West Ham and Sturridge currently being linked with one another? Not directly. But if you put those two together, you have the beginnings of a transfer rumor. Don't be surprised if just such a rumor pops up this spring.
Verdict: Having played for Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, Sturridge might find it difficult to secure a move to another of England's big guns. A slight step down into the next tier of Premier League clubs could therefore make some sense, especially if he wants to remain in the country.
However, as of this moment, only pure speculation can link West Ham and Sturridge.
