Daniel Sturridge will enter the final year of his contract at Liverpool next season. This is the usually the period when clubs offer new contracts to their top performers. Hence, the silence from Anfield is casting doubts over the 28-year-old’s future. He made only 4 appearances on loan for West Bromwich Albion last season, failing to find the back of the net as the Baggies were eventually relegated to the Championship.
There is no doubt that Sturridge is a lethal striker. He was part of the Liverpool squad that came within two points of clinching the elusive title in 2013/14. That was Sturridge’s most productive season, scoring 21 goals and laying on a further 7.
Sturridge scored 3 goals and provided 3 assists for Liverpool last season but he didn’t receive a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup. Thus, moving up north to a less competitive league might be the lifeline his career needs.
Rangers’ manager Steven Gerrard is well aware of Sturridge’s experience and skills. Tasked with ending bitter Old Firm rivals Celtic’s dominance in Scotland, landing Sturridge’s signature would be a major statement of intent.
Sturridge would come in as an experienced centre-forward, having won the Champions League, Premier League and the FA Cup. In addition to that, he has also been capped 26 times for England and has scored 8 goals in the process.
There are a few things that would require sorting, which includes agreeing on the transfer fee with Liverpool. But that shouldn’t be hard since Sturridge seems surplus to requirements at Anfield. The likes of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane have made it quite difficult for him to play regularly.
However, a move to the Ibrox would require Sturridge to take a massive pay cut from his € 120,000-a-week wages. But that might be a small price to pay in exchange for regular game time.
To truly challenge Celtic, Gerrard will need his team to win matches. To do so, the Gers must outscore the opponents and a proven goalscorer like Sturridge could prove to be resourceful. Despite his injury concerns, Sturridge would be a good signing for Rangers if Gerrard can successfully manage his game time and keep him fit.
