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Best Reaction to Former Liverpool Striker Daniel Sturridge's Trabzonspor Deal
August 22, 2019
Daniel Sturridge completed his transfer to Trabzonspor on Wednesday, creating a significant amount of social media buzz.
News the deal had been done came via the club's official Twitter account, and the striker has signed a three-year contract:
The man himself posted the following on social media after the deal was done:
The Turkish Football Twitter account shared a photo of the player's arrival in Turkey before completing the transfer:
It also offered an insight into what type of lifestyle Sturridge will enjoy with his new club:
Turkish Football @Turkish_Futbol1Trabzonspor are based on the eastern Black Sea coast of Turkey. Forget sun, sand & sea this region is known for its lush green forests, mountains and rain. Lots of rain. Sturridge will feel at home 😄 They also have hardcore support. Millions of fans https://t.co/QnChjuFPNE
B/R Football looked back at some other big names in European football who have played in the Super Lig:
Liverpool released Sturridge at the end of the 2018-19 season after the team achieved UEFA Champions League glory.
With Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino in attack, the England international gradually drifted down the pecking order at Anfield. It was no surprise when manager Jurgen Klopp opted against giving him an extension.
Sturridge moved to Liverpool in January 2013 and was a key player for the team almost immediately.
In the following campaign, he forged an outstanding partnership with Luis Suarez that took Liverpool close to the Premier League title. That season saw the forward's searing speed and inventiveness terrify opposition defences.
Sachin Nakrani of the Guardian reflected on just how effective the former Chelsea man was in that season:
Sachin Nakrani @SachinNakraniRightly overshadowed by Luis Suarez but should never be forgotten how brilliant Daniel Sturridge was in 2013/14. 29 league goals, 33 in total. Some of them absolutely sublime. Two that stick in my mind are the chip at home to West Brom and the juggle-volley away to Stoke.
However, from that campaign on, the striker suffered frequently with injuries. Not only did the constant issues rob Sturridge of his frightening acceleration, but it also meant former boss Brendan Rodgers and Klopp have had to build teams without him in mind.
In 2017-18, Sturridge spent the second half of the season on loan at West Bromwich Albion, although more fitness issues limited him to just six appearances at the Hawthorns. Last season, he remained with Liverpool but made just four Premier League starts.
Overall, he left the Reds with an excellent record:
Goal shared a video of all of Sturridge's Premier League goals for the club:
The time does feel right for a new chapter in the 29-year-old's career, and he will feel he still has something to offer at a decent level.
In Turkey, a new set of challenges should ensure Sturridge is motivated, which is key following on from winning the biggest prize in club football. He will also be hopeful that regular game time will assist in building a fitness base that he's lacked in recent years.