Could he finally be on his way to St James’ Park?
Daniel Sturridge’s name has been linked with us for the best part of two years, with a move failing to materialise on a number of occasions. It was suggested that a loan deal was proposed 18 months ago but he joined West Brom instead, and when offered the chance to sign him last summer, we passed up on it. But with the England international’s release from Anfield, Sturridge could be a real bargain buy for us.
Signing the 29-year-old would understandably have some considerable caveats; his horrendous injury record, his horrendous injury record, and that other lesser known issue of his horrendous injury record. Sturridge has had a career blighted by setbacks and lay-offs and quite remarkable hasn’t played more than 30 games in a season since the 2013/2014 campaign.
Indeed, that was the season where the striker really showcased his true potential, and making a move for a player whose last best season was more than five years ago would be concerning. But, on a free transfer, and potentially a wage cut to boot too, and Sturridge becomes more of an attractive proposition.
He could be a real livewire for us up front, capable of incredible finishes, and moments of magic. Salomon Rondon has been brilliant for us, but he’s probably not going to hit one with the outside of his foot from 30 yards out.
And that unpredictability just adds to the intrigue over signing the former Anfield star. It would be a risk no doubt, but the rewards are tantalising. A player like Miguel Almiron would relish the prospect of playing with someone on that wavelength, playing those intricate one-twos and passes in and around the box. Valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, Sturridge could add an invaluable X-factor from either the starting line-up or on the bench, and add a serious goal threat to our side.
Despite letting him go, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp heaped praise on his former charge, saying (via Chronicle Live): “Daniel has earned the right to be considered a modern-day Liverpool great, I would think. 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.
“What maybe is missed on the outside of the club by many is what a great leader Daniel is in our dressing room. He has been great with many of the younger players also, so he has been so important to our progression here.”
A proven goal-scorer in the Premier League, and on a free transfer, signing Sturridge is surely a no-brainer for Newcastle.