Liverpool have confirmed the release of former Newcastle United target Daniel Sturridge.
Sturridge’s contract will expire at the end of the month and he is now a free agent, which will no doubt spark a bidding war for his services this summer.
United tried to broker a loan move for Sturridge 18 months ago only for the striker to opt for West Brom in a move that didn’t work out due to injury problems, and they were offered him again the following summer. But he returned to Liverpool and played a key role as a understudy for the Reds in their assualt on the Premier League and Champions League.
Whether Rafa Benitez would revive interest would probably depend on the ownership issue. If he had a bigger budget and free hand to bring in experienced players, Sturridge may be on his wishlist but as long as Mike Ashley is in charge there’s no chance of him becoming a Newcastle player.
How fans would feel about a move is not clear anyway, although Liverpool’s manager is under no illusions about how important he has been.
Jurgen Klopp paid tribute to Sturridge and Alberto Moreno, who will also become a free agent at the end of his contract.
He said: “Daniel has earned the right to be considered a modern-day Liverpool great, I would think. He came to the club while we were trying to rebuild and re-establish ourselves. Some of the goals he has scored for Liverpool were so, so, so important.
“He is one of the best finishers I have ever seen in my life. He scores goals you think could and should not be possible.
“Again, like many players in my squad, Daniel has had to be patient and contribute when asked during games, but even this season he has played a vital role.
“What maybe is missed on the outside of the club by many is what a great leader Daniel is in our dressing room. He is smart, confident and not afraid to speak up when he thinks there is something that needs adapting to help the team. He has been great with many of the younger players also, so he has been so important to our progression here.”
