Newcastle United Opinion: Why the Magpies should sign Daniel Sturridge?
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is out of contract this summer and is expected to leave the club on a free transfer.
The England international, 29, worked his way back into Jurgen Klopp’s first-team plans this season after a disastrous loan spell at West Brom last year and made some useful contributions to the team that eventually lost the Premier League title to Manchester City.
However, the 29-year-old struggled to get regular opportunities with Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane nailing down the starting spots in the Liverpool front three. That could see Daniel Sturridge end his nine-year stay at Anfield when his contract expires in the summer.
For a number of years now, injuries, a lack of game time and form has resulted in Sturridge’s career going the other way. At 29, he needs a fresh start to rediscover his form and get into England manager Gareth Southgate’s plans.
That being said, should Newcastle United sign Sturridge on a free transfer this summer?
The BBC claim Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is in talks to sell the club to Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE billionaire’s investment group for £350m. The terms have been agreed and now been sent to the Premier League. Once the takeover is completed, the new owners must do everything possible to secure Rafael Benitez’s future at the club.
Moving forward, they must back Benitez in the summer transfer window wholeheartedly. The Magpies had an underwhelming 2018/19 season and to improve next term, they’ll need heavy investment. One of the most important areas that need addressing is the attack, as future of on-loan West Brom striker, Salomon Rondon, not sorted yet.
Nevertheless, Newcastle need much more than Rondon in their squad if they are to challenge for a top-half finish in the 2019/20 campaign. The Magpies were offered Sturridge last summer but Benitez was reluctant to spend £15million to sign him from Liverpool. But with the 29-year-old set to be available on a free transfer next month, Benitez cannot afford to let the striker go this time around.
Sturridge has had recurrent injury problems over the last few seasons but fortunately, he has managed to keep himself fit of late at Liverpool. He boasts an impressive record at the Premier League and despite injuries hampering his career, the 29-year-old still has good pace to offer.
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With talented playmakers like Miguel Almiron and Ayoze Perez in the ranks, the former Chelsea star could thrive if given full backing by Benitez.
Verdict
At 29, Sturridge still has a lot in his tank to offer. If Benitez can keep him fit and help in regaining his lost mojo, the Englishman could turn out to be a smash hit at St. James’ Park.
